beijingkids October 2014 by beijingkids

October 2014 The Great Escape

Everything you need to make a perfect getaway

Seeing Red

Fall for autumn leaves

Leafing on a Jet Plane

Inspiration for your Chunjie travels

Scare-Craft Cleared for Takeoff

Going to bat for Halloween

OCTOBER 2014 CONTENTS

FeatureS 52

Spring Fling

Health 22

Ten Chunjie destinations

Travel Prep 101

Take It Slow

The Natural Path Melissa Rodriguez doesn’t lose sleep over jetlag

Don’t fly by the seat of your pants

The Doc Is In Dr. Richard Saint Cyr advocates getting your beauty sleep

Live like a local with an Airbnb rental

Telling It Straight Services and supports at the end of the rainbow

Living 15

From the Blog

Dining 28

Sewing the seeds of change

Noticeboard Talking Shop

Birthday Bash

Dining Out Ciao down at Loft Eatalicious

Community news and announcements

Food for Thought Soup’s up for the Persson family

Vivi Dolce is gelato meet you Break out of Omescape

Indulge Kasha Smith warms up for fall

Playing 32

What’s Fun In

Weekend Warrior

Maker’s Corner

Beijing’s woods are ablaze with colors Go round the houses at Commune by the Great Wall Keystone is batty about Halloween crafts

OCTOBER 2014 CONTENTS

20 Learning

In Celebration of Square Pegs Promoting creativity in early childhood education

When I Grow Up Anchors away with Neela Eyunni and BSB Sanlitun

Blank Canvas Art by students from House of Knowledge Quanfa Campus

Parenting 48

Beijing Baba

Alternate Routes

Directories 72 72 73 74 74 74 77 78

Family Dining Family Health Family Life Family Travel Fun Stuff Schools Shopping Sports

The travails of Christopher Lay’s travels Jennifer Ambrose is a goldmine of travel tips

Essentials 9 10 14

Editor’s Note October Events New Arrivals

The Circuit

Family Favorites

Say hello to Beijing’s smallest Happenings in Beijing’s family scene The Moody family

ON THE COVER: Armin Wank (age 8) moved with his family to Beijing eight years ago when he was just 5 months old. He has two sisters, Alwina (10) and Amalia (5), and one brother, Arthur (1). Armin attends Beijing International Bilingual Academy and loves to travel. His favorite trip was to Koh Mak in Thailand, where he got to swim every day. Photography by Mishka Family Photography.

《中国妇女》英文刊

WOMEN OF CHINA English Monthly Sponsored and administrated by ALL-CHINA WOMEN’S FEDERATION Published by WOMEN’S FOREIGN LANGUAGE PUBLICATIONS OF CHINA Publishing Date: September 1, 2014

Adviser 顾问

2014 年 10 月（下半月）

WOMEN OF CHINA English Monthly 中华全国妇女联合会主管/主办中国妇女外文期刊社出版本期出版时间: 2014年9月1日

彭云 PENG PEIYUN 全国人大常委会前副委员长 Former Vice-Chairperson of the NPC Standing Committee

Adviser 顾问

顾秀莲 GU XIULIAN 全国人大常委会前副委员长 Former Vice-Chairperson of the NPC Standing Committee

Director and Editor-in-Chief 社长 · 总编辑 Chief Editor 主编 Managing Editor Deputy Managing Editor

Yun Pengju 恽鹏举 Wei Liang 位亮 Sijia Chen Aisling O’Brien

School Editor

Yvette Ferrari

Web Editor

Nimo Wanjau

Shunyi Correspondent Contributors

Sally Wilson Christopher Lay, Melissa Rodriguez, Dr. Richard Saint Cyr, Jennifer Ambrose, Heather Budimulia

Editorial Consultant 编辑顾问 Director of Sales Department 广告发行经营部主任 Tel 电话 Legal Adviser 法律顾问 Advertising Agency 广告代理 Advertising Hotlines 广告热线 Printing 印刷 Address 本刊地址

ROBERT MILLER (Canadian) 罗伯特 · 米勒 (加拿大) XIA WEI 夏巍 5779 8877 LI XUESEN 李雪森 Immersion International Advertising (Beijing) Co., Limited 深度体验国际广告(北京)有限公司 5941 0368/69/72/77/78/79 C&C JOINT PRINTING CO., (BEIJING) LTD. 北京华联印刷有限公司 WOMEN OF CHINA English Monthly 《中国妇女》英文月刊 15 Jianguomennei Dajie, Beijing 100730, China 中国北京建国门内大街15号邮编:100730

国际标准刊号

ISSN1000 9388

国内统一刊号

CN11-1704/C

The beijingkids Board Jennifer Parrott

A Publication of

True Run Media 出版制作

The proud mother of a daughter who attends WAB, Jennifer hails from Boston. She loves shopping and discovering great new restaurants. Jennifer is involved with the International Newcomers’ Network (INN) and leads the Chaoyang Park Coffee Mornings on the third Wednesday of every month. She can be reached at jparrott@me.com.

Advertising Agency

Immersion International Advertising (Beijing) Co., Limited 广告代理

深度体验国际广告（北京）有限公司

Danna Mattas-Applerot

Danna Mattas-Applerot is the mother of four kids (at BSB Sanlitun and YCIS), a Parent Effectiveness Training instructor, and an advisory board member of IsCham. Originally from Israel, she has lived in Beijing for eight years and now has a relocation consultancy, though her true passion is art. Contact her at dannama@gmail.com.

Telephone/电话: 5779 8877 Advertising Hotlines/广告热线： 5941 0368/69/72/77/78/79

General Manager Michael Wester Operations Manager Toni Ma

AJ Warner

AJ Warner is a busy dad. When not with his two awesome sons, he’s coaching Chinese students on how to get admitted to the top 30 US universities (undergraduate and graduate). He also guides Chinese families through the process of sending their child to the US for high school and related homestays. Contact him at ajwarner@ touchdown.org.cn.

Managing Editor Sijia Chen Deputy Managing Editor Aisling O’Brien School Editor Yvette Ferrari Web Editor Nimo Wanjau Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson Marketing Manager Shana Zhang

beijingkids Brand Manager Victoria Yang

Yanhong Wheeler

Yanhong is a mother of two, a La Leche League leader, a Parent Effectiveness Training (PET) instructor, and the author of ten Chinese books on breastfeeding, parenting, and education (under the pen name Xiao Wu, or Wee Witch). Visit her blog at blog.sina. com.cn/weewitch.

Art Director Susu Luo Production Manager Joey Guo Principal Designer and Illustrator Crystal Liu Advertising Designer Yuki Jia Photographers Mitchell Pe Masilun, Sui, Ken Sales Manager Ivy Wang

Liu Nan

Liu Nan, also known as Chu Chu, is a native Chinese mother. When she is not out with her baby girl in search of food and fun, she sells imported baby products on Taobao. Check out aibaimm. taobao.com.

Sales Team Coordinator Luo Yi Sales Team Sheena Hu, Winter Liu, Amy Sun, Maggie Zhang, Sasha Zhang Sales Assistant Gladys Tang IT Team Yan Wen, Arvi Lefevre Finance Judy Zhao, Liu Mengya HR & Admin Tobal Loyola, Siyu He,

Christopher Lay

Christopher Lay hails from scenic Ashland, Oregon and has lived in Beijing for six years. When not chasing after Reina (age 7) and twins Bryson and Ryder (2), he does freelance architectural and portrait photography. View his work at chrislay.com

Zhao Fengjuan Distribution Cao Zheng General Inquiries 5779 8877 Editorial 5779 5389/90 Distribution 5941 5387

Michelle Liu

After living in the US for 15 years, native Beijinger Michelle is happy to be living in her hometown again, where she works at an architecture firm. As a pwarent, she embraces both the Chinese and western perspectives on culture and education. Contact her at mtliu123@yahoo.com.

Contact: Eyee Hsu

General information: info@beijing-kids.com Editorial: editor@beijing-kids.com Sales: sales@truerun.com Marketing: marketing@truerun.com Distribution: distribution@truerun.com Directories: listings@beijing-kids.com

www.beijing-kids.com weibo.com/beijingkids @beijingkids www.facebook.com/beijingkids www.pinterest.com/beijingkids WeChat: beijingkids

CCTV talk show host and mom-preneur Eyee Hsu is looking for more time in the day. When she’s not chasing after her two kids or the family dog, you might catch her at a Pilates studio, one of the Counting Sheep boutiques, or on TV. She hopes to save you time by bringing the most trusted baby brands to Beijing. Find out more at www.countingsheepboutique.com.

Want to Join?

If you think you’d make a valuable contribution to the beijingkids board, email editor@beijing-kids.com.

Using Taobao without Alipay or a Chinese ID (goo.gl/ddDY8O) This step-by-step tutorial with screenshots makes paying on Taobao a breeze for expats who don’t read Chinese. Now get shopping!

How Would They Cope If You Weren’t Here? (goo.gl/rThx4T)

WEB ROUNDUP

What can you do now to secure your family’s financial future in case of accidental death? Financial Consultant William Frisby weighs in with a piece about trusts and wills.

For more, visit the beijingkids blog at www.beijing-kids.com

f e First Day o Moms on th .gl/AlfnlI) School (goo

of share stories ries, parents r ei th d an In this blog se ol day at scho st fir s n’ re ild their ch girls. big boys and transition into

Aliexpress, the Alternati ve to Taobao (goo .gl/NRSV6Q )

Still can’t figur e out Taobao ? Don’t despai there’s alway r, s Aliexpress – an English-on site with a clea ly n interface th at helps you fin what you need d on Taobao.

EDITOR'S NOTE

ground in the back ldt Castle Le with Bo

A gazebo on Heart Island, present day

What’s In a Picture?

his summer, my family and I drove to the famous Thousand Islands region on the border of Ontario and New York State, where the highlight of the trip was a tiny patch of land called Heart Island. The main draw was Boldt Castle, named after the hotel magnate who started building it in 1900 as a love letter to his wife. Construction was halted after her sudden death in 1904 and the building lay in disrepair for over 70 years before being restored by the Thousand Islands Bridge Authority. My sister and I worked our way up from the castle bowels, climbing the winding wooden staircase past bedrooms cordoned off with velvet ropes, to a balcony with a 180° view of the St. Lawrence River. Above us, the Boldt family symbol – a stag – stood guard. “I guess they’re House Baratheon,” quipped Nancie. Throughout the visit, I had a strong sense of deja-vu; though my sister was too young to remember, we’d been to Boldt Castle before. I was 8 or 9 at the time and we were traveling in Ontario with our old family friends, the Zhangs. For the past year, I’d been relying on Nancie to provide me with a steady diet of childhood pictures for these editor’s notes. The task required her to pull dozens of photo albums from the shelves and find pictures to match upcoming issue themes; she then digitized them using our crotchety old scanner and emailed them to me in neat batches. It isn’t easy communicating with a 12-hour time difference at the best of times, let alone with our respective deadlines hanging over our heads. “I needed these like yesterday,” I whined. “Well you try tearing apart the study for them!” she retorted. That’s why I seized the opportunity to sort through old albums while I was in Canada. My rampage extended to the Zhangs’ photo archives, which my sister and I gleefully broke out after dinner one night. We pored over pictures of road trips, holidays, outings, and get-togethers.

The same ga zebo over 20 years ago

My favorite was a picture of Le (the Zhangs’ son), Nancie, and I looking slightly sick in “The Sizzler,” the edges of the frame blurring with the speed of the fairground ride. That’s when we spotted it: a picture of Le standing in a boat, with the distinctive outline of Boldt Castle in the distance. Nancie stared at the image for a second, her brows furrowing in concentration, then broke out in a laugh. “Woooah! That’s crazy!” I continued to fill in the gaps as well as I could, pointing out people Nancie didn’t remember meeting and recounting inside jokes that went over her head at the time. I imagined what a chore it must have been to go through all those albums on her own, labeling their spines with keywords like “Sisi teenage years” and “Nancie/Sisi childhood.” As we hunched over albums in the Zhangs’ study, I once again got an overwhelming sense of deja-vu. It felt like a teenage Le might come barging into the room any minute, demanding to know why we were going through his stuff. He didn’t, of course. He was 550km away in Toronto, newly-married and finishing up his PhD. “Jiajia! Nancie! Time to go home!” called Mom from downstairs. As we pulled away in the car and waved goodbye to the Zhangs, I simultaneously felt like crying and laughing.

Sijia Chen Managing Editor

October 2014 beijingkids

OCTOBER 9-23 3

Sat, Oct 11 HIS Fall Fair All ages. HIS ushers in autumn with a fun-filled day of face painting, carnival games, bazaar shopping, charity, international foods, and more. Free. 9am-4pm. Hope International School (admissions@hopeintlschool.org) 1 First BRISC Competition by Imagine Ages 7-18. Students compete in the first Boat Race of International Schools in China (BRISC) organized by Imagine (formerly O’le Afloat) in sailing and kayaking categories. No experience needed. Registration required. RMB 700 to participate. 9.30am4pm. Beijing Aofan Sailing Club (186 1045 3101) 2 The Story of the Little Girl and the Sun Ages 5-10. The Capital M kids’ club hosts authors Cruz Garcia and Nathalie Frankowski of WAI Think Tank to narrate the story of a little girl and her rabbit as they journey to a city where the

beijingkids 2014 October

sun never sets. The session will end with kids creating their own stories using geometric shapes. Registration required. RMB 20 for kids, RMB 75 for adults (includes a drink). Free with brunch. 11am-12.30pm. Capital M (6702 2727) Wed, Oct 15 Staying Fit and Eating Well in China For teens and adults. International SOS Head Physiotherapist Sheilagh Anderson and Nutritionist Stella Chan Marinaro talk about establishing an exercise routine, the dos and don’ts of working out, and eating right. Registration required. Free. 10.30am-noon. International SOS Beijing Clinic (seminar@ internationalsos.com) 3 Phonics Parent Workshop For adults. Help your children decode and spell words through phonics, which in turn helps with handwriting. Registration required. Free. 1-3pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (eryn.vanwinden@bj.ycef.com) Sat, Oct 18 HoK Community Yard Sale All ages. Need to declutter your home? HoK’s Chaoyang Park campus hosts a yard sale for clothes, shoes, toys, household items, painting, and pretty much anything you need to get rid of. All those with a table must make baked goods to sell, with

photos: Courtesy of His, hok, marcelaw, uasg humphreys, great grandpa and grandma (FLICKR)

Wed, Oct 9 Bernadette Van Houten Speaks at WAB For adults. The WAB Distinguished Speaker Series hosts Bernadette van Houten, a cross-cultural communications specialist, for a talk aimed at parents and teachers. Registration required. Free. 6-8pm. Western Academy of Beijing (www.wab. edu/DSS)

events ESSENTIALS Editor’s Pick

Dining

Playing

Learning

Community

Living

Health

Parenting

5 proceeds going to the Migrant’s Children’s Foundation. Free to attend. 10am-1pm. House of Knowledge International School and Kindergarten (6538 1389, events@hokschools.com) 4 Wed, Oct 22 Careers in Finance Evening For teens. YCIS Beijing hosts an information session for students interested in careers in the finance industry. Guest speakers include James Lee, the treasurer of the British Chamber of Commerce in China, and Xue Zhang, a relationship manager at HSBC. Registration required. Free. 6-7pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (8583 3731, info@bj.ycef.com) Thu, Oct 23 Supernatural China: Polytheism, Cheap Revenge and Publicity Stunts For teens and adults. Just in time for Halloween, Newman Tours introduces attendees to China’s vibrant spooky folklore, from hungry ghosts and bouncing zombies to suicidal sirens to tree torture. RMB 60 (members), RMB 70 (non-members). 7.308.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507) 5

October2014 beijingkids

ONGOING 3

2 Sat, Oct 25 and Sun, Oct 26 beijingkids 8th Halloween Costume Party All ages. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spooky School theme promises twice the fun at CISB with a haunted schoolhouse tour, free pumpkin baskets, trick-or-treating, horror movies, face painting, Halloween-themed games, family portraits, and a costume parade for kids. Until October 20, enjoy an early bird discount of 10% off for groups of 4 and under, 20% off for groups of 5-9, and 50% off for groups of 10 and over. Registration required. beijingkids Club members: RMB 100 for adults, RMB 200 for kids. Non-members: RMB 200 for adults, RMB 300 for kids. 2-5.30pm. Canadian International School of Beijing (5941 5499, events@beijing-kids.com) 1 Sat, Oct 25 Level 1 Screen Printing Workshop For teens and adults. Print your own designs on posters, canvas, and fabric using a simple screenprinting setup. Registration required. RMB 1,000 per term. Atelier (atelier@atelier.cn.com) 2 Roundabout Book Fair at HoK All ages. Buy deeply discounted secondhand books, with all proceeds going to charity. Free. 10am-3pm. House of Knowledge International School and Kindergarten (6431 8452)

Sun, Oct 26 River Garden Annual Halloween Party All ages. Due to its large American population, River Garden boasts the biggest Halloween party in Shunyi. Activities include trick-or-treating, horror movies, games, a haunted house, and more. The only catch? You must be invited by a compound resident. Time to make some friends! Free. 4-11pm. Beijing River Garden Villas (8046 1918) Ongoing In Tune with Tigertones Ages 7+. Keystone kicks off its first-ever school music night by hosting Princeton Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s critically acclaimed a cappella group, Tigertones. The group will perform both original tunes and world-famous songs on October 25 and 30. Registration required. RMB 80. 7-9pm. Keystone Academy (8029 6008, events@keystoneacademy.cn) WAB Charity Link Clothing Drive All ages. WAB Charity Link will hold its annual clothing drive from October 13-18. Simply drop by the school with new or gently-used clothing. Free. 8am-4pm. Western Academy of Beijing (5986 5588) 3

For an up-to-date list of Halloween events, visit our blog at www.beijing-kids.com/blog.

beijingkids 2014 October

events

ESSENTIALS

Want your family-friendly event to appear in our next issue? Upload it at www.beijing-kids.com/events by October 10.

photos: Courtesy of Wab, erwaa, nplove, us dept of education (FLICKR), mitchell pe masilun

6 The Beijing Ghost Tour All ages. Sign up for Newman Tours’ Ghost Tour and explore the haunted hutongs around Houhai Palace (see the beijingkids blog for a review from last year). Registration required. RMB 260 for adults, RMB 130 for kids under 14. Every Sat-Sun, 7-9pm. Newman Tours (138 1777 0229, info@newmantours.com) Happy Valley Halloween All ages. Throughout October, Happy Valley will have eight haunted houses for Halloween, daring visitors to brave the scary obstacles within. In addition, a ghost parade will take place every evening for the entire month. RMB 160. 10am-9pm. Happy Valley (6553 2288) 4 ACAMIS Tennis and APAC Baseball All ages. WAB hosts students from around Asia for the annual ACAMIS Tennis Tournament and the 2014 APAC Baseball from October 23-25. Refreshments available. Free. 9am-4pm. Western Academy of Beijing (5986 5588) 5 Inside Out Art Show All ages. Blue Bridge Lido Center hosts its first art exhibition featuring works by Art Lab and Art Bug students themed “Inside Out.” From October 1-12, the show will spotlight paintings, sculptures, drawings, and more. Sponsored by beijingkids. RMB 50 (non-members), free for members. 8am-noon. Blue Bridge International Education (5900 0270) 6

October2014 beijingkids

ESSENTIALS NEW ARRIVALS

SAY HELLO TO BEIJING’S SMALLEST Want to share your new arrival with our readers? Email a photo (at least 1MB in size) of your little one with their full name, nationality, birth date, hospital, and parents’ names to editor@beijing-kids.com. Due to space constraints, we will only publish photos of babies born in Beijing after April 1, 2014.

Anni Luisa Happrich

Cao Hanze

to Wang Chinese. Born on Jul 19 Century w Ne at Lei o Huizi and Ca spital. Ho s en’ ildr Ch and Women’s

German. Born on Aug 13 to Kerstin and Dirk Happrich en route to Beijing United Family Hospital.

Olivia Heck

to Raquel Brazilian. Born Mar 25 ck at Kieling and Leandro He tal. spi Ho nal Oasis Internatio

beijingkids 2014 October

Meng Zhenxi

Chinese. Born on Jul 23 to Rao Wenxia and Meng Jianchun at New Century Women’s and Children’ s Hospital.

Wang Miaoqi

Chinese. Born on Jul 26 to Li Jing and Wang Yan at New Century Women’s and Children’ s Hospital.

FROM THE BLOG LIVING

Sewing for Good This article was modified from a post on www.beijing-kids.com written by Sally Wilson.

photos: sally wilson

ew GORGEOUS is a volunteer-based community project, aimed at passing on the knowledge and techniques of sewing to local migrant students in Beijing. Set up by a group of parents in the Shunyi District, the aim of the project is to give these students a vocation in sewing and tailoring. Designed to inspire the student’s creativity, introduce them to business and production management, and provide them with important skills which they can use to create a better future for themselves. Marianne Dransfield and Charlotte Beckett, both from the UK and with children at the British School of Beijing, initiated the project. They are currently working with a local migrant school called Love and Hope, to set up a classroom of sewing machines and equipment for the students to use. Love and Hope Center of Beijing is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization, providing vocational training for underprivileged youth, in order to broaden their opportunities for future work. To be able to buy the equipment and fabric for the project, Sew GORGEOUS is making and selling beautiful children’s clothing, kitchen, and home ware items, all sewn by parent volunteers. Marianne heads up the sewing team, and one afternoon a week, the volunteers teach the migrant students the techniques of sewing. Charlotte manages the charity liaison, running between Love and Hope, the fabric market, and many other places besides. One hundred percent of the profit made on the sale of all items goes straight back into the project, to help purchase sewing machines, equipment, and fabric so the students can keep on learning and creating. Eventually, it is hoped the students will take on the sewing and be able to do it themselves.

I went along to the project’s first-ever Open House sale on September 24. The sale attracted a large number of people from the expat community, and items on sale included table cloths and mats, art storage bags, bunting, and a wonderful range of children’s clothing. Items can be ordered in different colors and patterns, perfect if you’re looking for unique gifts for friends and family. There are a number of ways in which to support the project: - subscribe to their regular email newsletter - like and share their Facebook page - attend sales events - buy their products - donate an old sewing machine For more information and to subscribe to their newsletter, contact sewgorgeous@outlook.com, or www.facebook.com/sewgorgeousproject For more information on Love and Hope contact (186 0006 3292, 134 2628 8676, lovehope1004@sina.com) www.aisee.org

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.

October 2014 beijingkids

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BEIJING

WAB Celebrates 20th Anniversary The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) marked its 20th year on September 1. For the occasion, veteran faculty and students joined the founders to share stories about WAB. The entire community then danced to the new “WAB Song” and gathered on the field for a special aerial photograph. To see more photos, follow @wab_live on Instagram and use the hashtag #WAB20.

DCB Turns 10 This year, Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) celebrates its tenth anniversary. The school opened in 2005 with half as many students and faculty as it does today. At the time, its oldest students were in Year 9 and the majority of students were in Early Years. Now, most of the older students from that era are university graduates. Recent renovations include air filtration systems at both Legend Garden and Riviera, with construction of the second dome slated for completion in December. The next project is the Early Years building for ages 1-7, which will start accepting students in January 2016.

beijingkids 2014 October

Over the last academic year, many students from Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) achieved A* or A results in their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams. Two standouts are Chloe Lee (Singapore) and Wan Teng Lee (Malaysia); Chloe achieved A and A* results while Wan Teng achieved A* grades across all nine of her subjects.

photos: Courtesy of wab, dcb, and ycis

YCIS Beijing Celebrates A-Level IGCSE Results

NOTICEBOARD LIVING Want your news to appear in our next issue? Email it along with a high-res photo (at least 1MB) to webeditor@beijing-kids.com by October 10.

BIBA Welcomes New Deputy Director Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) recently welcomed Deputy Director Dr. K. C. Pang. With over 30 years’ experience in Hong Kong’s education sector, Dr. Pang was the founding Vice President of the Hong Kong Institute of Education. He also served as a chief executive in the Curriculum Development Institute of Education Department, HKSAR and was a senior lecturer at the University of Hong Kong. Before coming to Beijing, he was a member of BIBA’s Academic Advisory Committee.

Harrow Welcomes New Headmaster

photos: Courtesy of biba, harrow, his, and art lab

For the new school year, Harrow International School Beijing welcomes Headmaster David Shinkfield from Australia. His last post was as principal of Kormilda College, a day and boarding school in Darwin; before that, he was the assistant head of Rugby School in the UK. Shinkfield moves to Beijing with his wife Franziska and their two sons, Daniel and Stanley.

O’le Afloat and O’le Music Combine into “Imagine” Pete Tupper, the founder of O’le Music and O’le Afloat, has created a new organization to combine existing skiing, water sports, rollerblading, and music programs: Imagine. The latter will continue to provide Trash Bash, Shout! rock choir, the ISSCC snow sports competition, and the BRISC boating competition. To find out more, visit www.imagine-china. com or call 186 1045 3101.

Art Educator to Develop Art Lab Program

HIS Moves to Crab Island Hope International School (HIS) has relocated to a new campus in Crab Island for the upcoming academic year, with its grand opening taking place on August 22. The event allowed prospective families to tour the school, speak to teachers, and hear speeches by the headmaster and chairman of the board. This faith-based international school accepts applications year-round. Exhibition Hall 4, 1 Xiedao Lu, Chaoyang District (5225 3711 ext 242, 156 1102 0229, admissions@hopeintlschool.org) www.hopeintlschool.org 朝阳区蟹岛路1号蟹岛4号展馆

Last month, Blue Bridge welcomed art educator, designer, artist, and arts administrator Professor John O. Smith. Over the next year, he will develop and direct Blue Bridge’s Art Lab program. From 1998 to 2013, Prof. Smith was one of the lead faculty members in the Department of Art and Design at The University of Wisconsin. He has taught art classes and workshops for students of all ages and backgrounds. Prof. Smith was also a designer for The Iowa Children’s Museum.

October 2014 beijingkids

LIVING TALKING SHOP

La Dolce Vita Vivienne Li wants you to stop and smell the rose gelato by Heather Budimulia

hen Vivienne Li decided to take a break from public relations and marketing, it was to rethink her career. She wanted her next endeavor to be creative and sustainable, something that she and others could enjoy and share. Li got her answer after discovering gelato on a trip to Italy. She returned to attend Carpiagini Gelato University, where she took a full course on the art of gelato making and interned at the institution’s gelataria. In 2012, her business Vivi Dolce was born. “Dolce” (meaning “sweet” in Italian) refers not only to the gelato, but also a certain attitude and lifestyle. Once, one of Li’s friends went straight to the office after a long business trip and found gelato that Li had left her in the freezer. She called Li to say that eating the gelato had made all her stress evaporate. Stories like that provide Li with hope that customers can enjoy not only the product, but also the moment. As someone who didn’t spend a lot of time in the kitchen growing up, the move to start a food business was admittedly an unusual one. However, Li says she has always appreciated good food. “Cooking is an amazing experience because ingredients come from Mother Earth and when you touch them, you turn them into something tastier and more beautiful,” she says. Li acknowledges that the milk situation in China isn’t ideal, but she tries to source the best for her gelato. Last year, she visited Wondermilk’s farm in Hebei to see their facilities and manufacturing process first-hand. She now works with Green Yard, the only supplier of organic milk in Beijing. The difference, she explains, is that the milk only undergoes pasteurization once, preserving nutrition, flavor, and aroma. To come up with her inventive gelato flavors, Li relies on a combination of research and instincts. For example, when experimenting with a chestnut flavor to embody autumn, she thought of adding chocolate or coffee for more complexity; Li finds single flavors “boring.” In two years, Li’s business has expanded beyond WeChat orders; her gelato is now served at restaurants like Temple Restaurant Beijing and The Rug. Vivi Dolce also has a more comprehensive delivery service; a 500g container of gelato costs RMB 135. Her products are also stocked at Cup One in Wangjing, where customers can sample up to two flavors in a 100g serving (RMB 38). Li’s favorite flavor is Crazy Berries, a blend of raspberry, blueberry and blackberry. We also liked the fragrant and delicate Rose Whisper, featuring real rose petals from Yunnan. Many of Vivi Dolce’s fruit-based flavors are seasonal, but milk-based flavors like pistachio, hazelnut, and yogurt are available year-round.

Cup One Daily 9am-11pm. Unit 0203, 2/F, Bldg D, Kirin Place, 11 Fu’anxi Lu, Chaoyang District (5363 0599) 朝阳区阜安西路11号麒麟社 D楼2层0203室

beijingkids 2014 October

photos: Courtesy of Vivi Dolce

Vivi Dolce Buy Vivi Dolce at Cup One or place your order through WeChat by adding their official account at username “vividolce.”

BIRTHDAY BASH LIVING

Break Out! Make room for Omescape by Aisling O’Brien

photos: Courtesy of omescape

he Room Escape concept began with online shockwave flash puzzle games – point-and-click adventures in which players must uncover clues and solve riddles to escape from a locked room. In Japan, enthusiasm for the games grew to the point where real-life versions were created by fans. Chinese entrepreneur Hu Yuxiang tried a live-action Room Escape with his friends, and was inspired to replicate the experience here. Founded in April 2012, Omescape has grown rapidly, with 20 branches across China and three more overseas in Toronto, San Fransisco, and Phuket. Omescape’s challenging and intense live-action puzzles range across three venues in Beijing: Chongwenmen, Taiyanggong, and Zhongguancun. There are 14 suites covering an area of over 2,500sqm. The room themes change periodically, but all of the Room Escapes are convincingly decorated and feature an interactive combination of brain teasers and physical tasks. Many of the challenges include crawl spaces, sliding walls, hidden rooms, and impressive special effects. Participants have a mere 60 minutes to break out using teamwork, guile, and the odd clue from the Games Master, who can provide hints over an intercom system. Many rooms can accommodate four to eight people, with some holding 10-12. Room Escape is suitable for children over 12; more difficult games may require adult team members. Most of the games are bilingual, though some are Chinese-only. For birthdays, Omescape can provide drinks and snacks, entertainment, games, decorations, a photographer, goodie bags, and cake. Birthday packages (for up to 12 people) cost from RMB 3,000 on weekends and from RMB 2,000 on weekdays. Guests can also bring their own food and drink, but this must be arranged in advance. For those bringing their own cake and snacks, other packages include a one-hour escape game plus party gift (RMB 100 per person), and a one-hour escape game plus activities and games (RMB 200 per person). For English service or to discuss birthday packages and pricing, contact William Tanama (contact information given below).

Omescape 奥秘之家密室逃脱 RMB 80 per person. 1) Daily 10am-10pm. 90 Guangqumennei Dajie, Dongcheng District (138 2021 9303, william@itaotuo. com) www.itaotuo.com 东城区广渠门内大街90号新裕商务大厦底商; 2) Daily 10am-10pm. Rm 1806, Bldg B1, Changyuan Tiandi Plaza, 18 Suzhou Jie, Haidian District 海淀区苏州街长远天地大厦 B1座1806室; 3) Daily 10am-10pm. B1/F, Bldg 12, Bandaoguoji, Taiyanggong Dajie, Chaoyang District 朝阳区太阳宫大街半岛国际12号楼地下1层

October 2014 beijingkids

Cherry Cocoa Kasha Kasha Smith is red hot by Aisling Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien

photos: Ken

beijingkids 2014 October

Indulge LIVING

Get the Look:

1 Smith, before

To achieve the dip-dyed look Kasha wanted, An applied a chocolate shade to the first 12 inches of her hair and a bright auburn shade to the ends. He separated her hair using Plexiglas boards, and worked section by section from the nape of her neck through to her forehead.

MyStudio Daily 10am-8.30pm. Bldg 811, Zone 8, Jinsong, Chaoyang District (6771 4375, 137 0125 3148) 朝阳区劲松八区811号楼

Makeup List • Chanel Pro Lumiere Liquid Foundation • Sephora Matifying Compact Powder • Bobbi Brown pink blush quartet in pink • Red Earth purple eyeshadow quartet • Mabelline Volume Express Turbo Boost Mascara • Chanel Aqualumiere lipstick in Palma

An created thick, straight-cut bangs falling from the crown of Kasha’s head, also trimming and restyling her existing layers.

ry-witted, candid, and affable, American Kasha Smith moved to China over seven years ago. She first volunteered at the Phillip Hayden Foundation in Langfang, then started homeschooling Founder Tim Baker’s three youngest children. When Baker’s eldest daughter graduated from Yew Chung International School (YCIS Beijing), a casual conversation with the principal lead Smith to her current job teaching Year 2 at the school. Now-husband Wesley Smith followed her to China in early 2008 and currently teaches at Beijing City International School (BCIS). Their two daughters – Berkley (age 5) and Parrish (2), both born in Beijing – attend YCIS Beijing and BCIS’ Early Childhood Center respectively. To get on the same page regarding her makeover, Kasha and MyStudio Director Alex An traded ideas and found the perfect inspiration photo on Pinterest. Kasha was open to a dramatic change; she was tired of her light brown hair and side-swept bangs. In the end, she chose heavier straight-cut bangs and a bold chocolate and dip-dyed deep-red combination. Given the issue theme, Kasha and I naturally discussed travel, which happens to be one of the Smiths’ passions. In the summer they usually return to their native Michigan, where their families live only 45 minutes apart. During school holidays, the foursome travels around Asia – Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Bali, Goa, Srinagar, Boracay, Sanya. In her short life, Berkley has already taken 65 flights.

For the makeup portion, he started by brushing liquid foundation all over Smith’s face and blended with a dampened sponge. He set the foundation with compact translucent powder, then trimmed Kasha’s brows before filling them in with brown shadow. He lined Kasha’s lashes with moistened black powder and applied a combination of brown and purple eyeshadows, completing her eyes with black mascara. Rather than using blush, An applied a purple shadow to the hollows of Kasha’s cheeks. Finally, he applied a bright coral lipstick, which picked up the tones in her auburn ends.

October 2014 beijingkids

HEALTH THE NATURAL PATH Got a question? Dr. Melissa Rodriguez is a mom of two and a wellness consultant. She also works as a naturopath at International Medical Center. To find out more, check out her website at www.drmelissarodriguez.com.

Jet Set, Not Jet Lag

ravel, especially when crossing multiple time zones, can be exhausting. Everyone experiences jetlag a bit differently, but most people feel tired during the day and have trouble concentrating on mental tasks. Thankfully, several small steps can be taken to ease the transition. Traveling east means losing time when you arrive at your destination, so try going to bed half an hour earlier every night for the week leading up to the flight. On the other hand, traveling in a westerly direction means gaining time, so go to bed half an hour later. For example, when I’m preparing to fly home from Beijing to Toronto (west), I should sleep and wake up 30 minutes later every day for a week until I’m going to bed around 2am. However, it’s not always possible to adjust your internal clock before the flight. If that’s the case, start on the plane. To minimize the effects of jet lag, drink plenty of water; getting up regularly to drink fluids helps counteract the dehydrating effect of recycled cabin air and keeps the blood flowing in your legs. Avoid dehydrating drinks like coffee, caffeinated tea, and alcohol.

Eating and sleeping in sync with the local time is particularly important When you arrive at your destination, immediately take measures to adjust to the new time zone. Eating and sleeping in sync with the local time is particularly important. If you feel hungry between meals, drink water first to ensure you’re not simply dehydrated. If you’re still hungry 20 minutes later, have a small snack; an apple and a few almonds should suffice. Likewise, if it’s lunch time but you’re not really hungry, force yourself to eat something anyway. Immediately upon waking, seek exposure to sunlight and continue doing so throughout the day; have breakfast on the balcony or go for an early morning walk. Avoid taking naps. After 9pm, dim the lights; this promotes natural melatonin production in sync with the new time zone. To maximize melatonin production, go to sleep before midnight – ideally, before 11pm; this is a good habit to get into even when not traveling. Some studies show that melatonin supplementation can help with jetlag. Melatonin is a naturally-occurring hormone, though what we buy over-the-counter is synthetically produced. It plays an important role in regulating the body’s circadian rhythm or biological clock. I recommend taking the smallest amount effective, beginning with 0.5 to 1mg an hour before bedtime. The sublingual form is best, as it’s absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Melatonin should only be taken for a short period of time, not as a long-term sleep aid. It’s very safe, but if you have any conditions or health concerns, it’s best to check with your naturopath or doctor before self-prescribing.

beijingkids 2014 October

THE DOC IS IN HEALTH Need more info? Dr. Richard Saint Cyr is a family doctor at Beijing United Family Hospital, and the director of clinical marketing and communications. He runs the blog www.myhealthbeijing.com.

Let Sleeping Kids Lie

t 17 months of age, my son Alex is put to bed at 8pm and usually wakes up around 7.30am. Coupled with a nap or two during the day, he easily gets his recommended 12 hours of sleep. But upstairs, our neighbor’s toddlers bounce on our ceilings until at least 10pm on most nights. Many Chinese parents tell me their child goes to bed at 9, 10, or even 11pm. An American Academy of Pediatrics study from 2005 confirms that Chinese children not only go to sleep later than American children, they also wake up earlier: Chinese children in elementary school sleep a full hour less than American children (9.25 vs. 10.2). The main issue isn’t what time your child goes to bed but rather their total hours of daily sleep including naps, which very few kids over 5 take. Preschoolers need 11-12 hours of sleep, school-aged children need at least ten, and teens need nine to ten. By comparison, infants need 16-18 and adults need seven to eight. If your 5-year-old goes to bed at 9.30pm, wakes up at 6.30am, and doesn’t take naps, their nine hours of sleep isn’t enough to ensure long-term health.

Over time, this cumulative deficit affects attention span, motivation, and achievements on tests A fascinating series of tests published this year focusing on schoolage children in China shows that insufficient sleep and daytime sleepiness can worsen school performance. Most of these students go to bed at 9 or 9.30pm and almost all of them get up at 7am, causing a daily sleep debt of 30 minutes to one hour. While this may seem small, most children cannot recover the deficit by sleeping late on weekends. Over time, this can affect attention span, motivation, and achievements on tests. The good news is that delaying school start times by just 30 minutes can significantly improve sleep quality. In the same study, delaying school openings from 7.30am to 8 or 8.30am gave students almost an hour of extra sleep. This dovetails with other studies that support the growing movement by pediatricians to delay start times to 8.30am. Besides academic performance, poor sleep also increases the risk of childhood obesity. A 2007 meta-analysis of 36 studies from across the world shows a strong, independent association between inadequate sleep and weight gain in children – an association that continues into adulthood. There may be a physiological basis to this, as inadequate sleep affects the hormones that control appetite, intensifying our instinctive hunger reflex. While this isn’t a cause-and-effect relationship, the association is worrisome. Though I can’t control the noisy kids upstairs, I’m glad that we’re teaching Alex good sleep habits. When we choose schools in the future, we’ll definitely consider later start times a positive factor.

October 2014 beijingkids

Clockwise from center-left: Sophie Black (age 16), Justin Huang (16), Jo Mercado (16), Beverly Tan (16), Daisy Yang (16), Matthew Kim (17), Tim Althius (17), Sander de Zwann (18), and Elli Hu (16) beijingkids 2014 October

HEALTH

Support for LGBT students in Beijing text by Yvette Ferrari, photos by Dave PiXSTUDIO

“Finding out today that a loved one is gay doesn’t make them any different than they were yesterday”

’m at the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) to sit in on a weekly Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) meeting. The students trickle in alone and in pairs, chatting and making themselves comfortable as they start to eat lunch. When GSA organizer and Grade 11 student Elli Hu starts off the meeting, we begin in true new media fashion by watching a YouTube video. On the projector screen, Reverend Phil Snyder of the Brentwood Christian Church in Springfield, Missouri is speaking to a panel at a city council meeting. He quotes the Bible as he delivers what appears to be an anti-gay hate speech. But then, he says: “I’m sorry, I’ve brought the wrong notes with me this evening. I’ve borrowed my argument from the wrong century. It turns out what I’ve been reading to you this whole time are direct quotes from white preachers from the 1950s and the 1960s, all in support of racial segregation.” In fact, Revered Snyder is a Christian gay rights activist. His speech happened at a time when the city of Springfield was considering whether to add gays and lesbians to a list of protected minorities. For the remainder of the 30-minute GSA meeting, members discuss the video as well as parallels between the American civil rights movement and the current struggle for LGBT rights. “Sexuality is an aspect of biology. It’s part of your DNA. It cannot be controlled or oppressed, just like race or ethnicity,” says Hu. Another GSA student organizer, Beverly Tan (also in Grade 11) believes that in spite of the lessons from segregation-era US, society is repeating the same mistakes when it comes to LGBT (lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender) rights. “Even though African-American rights are a different topic, the concept is the same: degrading someone just because of one thing about them,” she says. “It’s just sad to see that society has not learned from the past.” Though the battle is far from over, a growing number of American states and countries legalizing same-sex marriage is a sign that times are changing. “There are a lot of similarities between racism and homophobia, but I feel that the modern-day presence of activist groups provides the potential for a brighter and more tolerant future,” says Hu. A “brighter and more tolerant future” is among the goals that GSA hopes to achieve. Hu and Tan say that the group often discusses the

portrayal of LGBT issues in media and news events relevant to the LGBT community. In 2012, WAB’s first openly-gay student (who has since graduated) started GSA to create a space where students could talk about issues surrounding sexuality and establish connections with their classmates. His first step was to launch the “That’s So Straight” campaign with the goal of eliminating the negative connotations of the word “gay.” The student generated pledges from his peers and organized a week of activities designed to foster solidarity. Today, the “That’s So Straight” campaign still runs in parallel with “Ally Week,” a project that Hu and Tan developed together. Ally Week aims to empower the LGBT community at WAB, encourage heterosexual students to stand up for their LGBT peers, and educate the greater community about LGBT issues. Every day for one week, GSA events are held in the most high-traffic places on campus. During the previous academic year, GSA invited a panel of speakers from both the LGBT and WAB communities for a question-and-answer session. Many students asked the speakers how their sexual orientation affected their personal relationships and interactions; there was also a discussion about coming out. “Finding out today that a loved one is gay doesn’t make them any different than they were yesterday,” says Tan. “We tend to hate and fear what we don’t understand. Take an active role in asking any questions and show your loved ones that they have your support.”

To get a first-hand account, we spoke to a current WAB student about his coming out story. His name has been withheld for privacy.

When did you come out? I know I’ve liked guys for a while now, but when I was growing up I never actually realized that I was gay or that there was anything different about me. I came out to one of my best friends when I was about 14 or 15.

October 2014 beijingkids

How did you come out and who did you tell first? When I came out, I lived in a different country. I knew that I liked guys but I wasn’t sure if I liked girls. I did have girlfriends prior to that but I had never dated a guy before. I told my friends one-by-one that I was bisexual; it wasn’t actually as easy as it sounds. The weeks before I came out, I would watch YouTube videos of people talking about their coming out stories. Most of them said that everything will be fine, but I was still really nervous about actually telling my friends. And in a way, by telling them I was also confirming to myself that it was true. About three months after I came out to my friends, I told my parents. Out of everyone I told, I was probably the most nervous to tell them. I knew that they would accept me but I was still a little scared of not really being accepted. Before coming out to my parents, I called my friend and told her that if anything were to happen that night, I might have to sleep over at her house. Fortunately, nothing bad happened.

I first told my mom. I had been following her around the house for a while because I couldn’t really get myself to actually say something. Just before she went to bed, I told her that I had to tell her I liked guys. At first, she just looked at me. But then she said “OK” and we sat down and talked for a while. She asked me things like, “How long have you been feeling this way? Have you had a boyfriend? How come you haven’t told us anything before?” It actually felt really nice to be able to talk to her about it. The next morning, my dad came into my room and he said that my mom told him I had something to say to him. So I told him and we talked for a little while. He said that he had already thought about it before but didn’t mention anything. Both of my brothers said “OK, so?” which was a huge relief. When I came to WAB, I didn’t immediately come out since I didn’t know whether it would be OK or not. But I came out quickly since I noticed that people were so supportive.

How did people react? All of my friends were really supportive. Most of them said that they didn’t care and that they still thought of me as the same person. Some of them looked at me for a little while and asked if I was joking – not because they didn’t want me to be gay, but just because they didn’t expect it.

What kind of support have you received? My previous school was an international school as well and very open, though it was in a country where it was illegal to be gay. At the time, I didn’t really think that anything could happen to me. I did feel secure in school, but I wasn’t openly gay at first. I was actually the first person to ever come out in that school and everyone seemed to accept it. It didn’t turn out to be as big a deal as I thought it would be. People did talk about it for a little while in the beginning but I didn’t get hate about it to my face. I found it pretty hard to accept being gay myself. My friends helped me a lot with that because I was able to talk to them about it. However, the biggest thing that helped me was that they didn’t treat me any differently than before. It made me feel normal. I had my first boyfriend after that. We couldn’t be open about it since he wasn’t out. It was nice though to have someone that was kind of going through the same stuff. However, it was really frustrating not to be able to tell anyone, or even hold hands in public. What’s the best part about being openly gay? I can be myself. You might not think that your sexuality has that much to do with your personality, but I actually felt more comfortable around people and a lot happier in general. Also, being able to talk about boys to my friends is a great part about being openly gay. What do you find most challenging? Wondering whether people are judging you. I wonder if they actually accept me for who I am and if they don’t, if it’s only because of my

beijingkids 2014 October

HEALTH sexuality. It’s also scary when I hear stories about LGBT members being beat up and wondering if that’s going to happen to me. How does social media affect your life as an openly gay student? If at all, it has only affected me positively. By being able to see others such as openly gay YouTubers or photos on Instagram, it assures me that I’m not alone. In the last GSA meeting, we spoke about nature versus nurture. How has your environment shaped who you are and your opinion about LGBT rights? Having gone to an international school, and now going to such an open and accepting school as WAB, has shown me that everyone should be treated equally. It doesn’t matter what country you’re from, what religion you believe in, or even what your sexuality is. WAB has really taught me that I can be myself. I don’t feel different from other students in school, which makes me feel safe. And because WAB is such an accepting place, I am comfortable playing sports, which I love doing.

Resources Beijing LGBT Center 北京同志中心 The Beijing LGBT Center is a non-profit, community-based organization for the Beijing LGBT community. They provide social services and organize advocacy programs. Their work seeks to further the LGBT movement, eliminate discrimination, and achieve quality. Visit their website for details about weekly activities, or contact them by email/phone to make an appointment. Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-5pm. Rm 2606, Bldg B, Xintiandi Plaza, 1 Xibahe Nanlu, Chaoyang District (5903 3730, 150 0114 591, bjlgbt@gmail.com) www.bjlgbtcenter.org 朝阳区西坝河南路甲1 号新天第大厦 B 座2606室

If you could go back in time and give one piece of advice to yourself prior to coming out, what would it be? I would tell myself that everything is going to be alright and not to be scared about coming out. It seemed like such a big deal before I did it; you think that everyone around you will care, but in reality no one actually does that much. What’s your advice to other teens that may be struggling with coming out? You don’t have to come out as soon as possible; it’s not a race. You should come out when you think the time is right and you’re comfortable with it. For some students it might even be [in] university. Is there anything else you’d like to share? When you suspect someone you know might be gay, don’t tell them that they’re gay; let them figure it out for themselves. If you want to them to know that you’re comfortable with LGBT [issues], you can always bring up the topic.

October 2014 beijingkids

Mamma Mia! Loft Eatalicious makes Italian food that moms can love by Sally Wilson

photos: KEN

Madelyn Bruce (age 4) digs 2014 into herOctober stuffed paccheri beijingkids

Dining Out DINING

Mushroom soup (RMB 39)

Paccheri in tomato, parmasean, and béchamel sauce (RMB 70)

oft Eatalicious is a relatively new addition to Pinnacle Plaza in Shunyi, with two other branches in Wangjing and Shuangjing. Italian Chef Roberto Masili is also responsible for neighboring Pinnacle restaurant Tapas Plus. He prides himself on using fresh and high-quality ingredients with many products directly sourced and imported from Europe. The restaurant serves traditional Italian fare such as pizza, pasta, soups, and salads. The menu also incorporates some international dishes, including oriental beef stew, curry chicken, and barbecue chicken. Sandwiches and burgers are also available with sides like fried farm potatoes, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice. Fresh juices include watermelon, mango, kiwi, and apple. Though there isn’t a separate kids menu, there are plenty of items on the menu that kids will love; in addition, all dishes can be scaled to suit smaller appetites. Take our model, for example. Four-year-old Madelyn Bruce has lived in Beijing for three years and is a student at House of Knowledge’s Quanfa campus. She loves to eat pizza and pasta, which her mom often makes. When Madelyn’s stuffed paccheri (RMB 70) dish arrived, her eyes lit up; the large, tube-shaped pasta were covered in a tomato, parmesan, and béchamel sauce. If you’d like something lighter, the crisp and fresh mixed salad (RMB 35) of lettuce, sundried tomatoes, and julienned carrot is lightly dressed with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. The mushroom soup (RMB 39) was packed with flavor and served alongside huge, crunchy breadsticks, which Madelyn also loved. For a sweet finish, try the homemade tiramisu (RMB 35); it proved to be a real hit, especially the “yummy” chocolate sauce and strawberries served with it.

Homemade tiramisu (RMB 35)

The dining room has a window that looks straight into the kitchen, allowing kids to watch as the chefs prepare their meals. Smoking is not allowed inside the restaurant, the seating is comfortable, and the atmosphere is bright and airy. The terrace out front allows for laidback outdoor dining. Service is very good, with friendly and knowledgeable wait staff. There’s a sink inside Tapas Plus next door, so there’s no need to use the public bathrooms to wash your hands. High chairs are also available for younger children. Loft Eatalicious is a welcome addition to Shunyi and Italian cuisine is always a great choice for families – especially when quality standards are this good. A separate breakfast menu is available from 8.30-11am daily and a brunch menu from 11am-2.30pm from Friday to Sunday only. Delivery and catering are available from all of their branches.

Loft Eatalicious 1) Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 8.30am-10.30pm. 710 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (8046 1565, shunyi@ eatalicious.com) www.lofteatalicious.com 北京市顺义区裕翔路99号荣祥广场710商铺; 2) Daily 10.30am-11pm. Unit 101, Bldg A1, ULO Park, 605 Wangjing Yuan, Guangshun Nandajie, Chaoyang District (8870 0868) 朝阳区广顺南大街望京园605号楼悠乐汇A1座101室; 3) 10am-11pm. D10-6 Tianli Street, Fuli City, Chaoyang District (5862 1145/1745) 朝阳区双井富力城天力街D10-6

October 2014 beijingkids

Orange You Hungry? The Perssons make pumpkin, orange, and carrot soup text and translation by Sijia Chen, Chinese proofreading by Jingbo Wu

photos: Dana Cosio-Mercado and Sijia Chen

Marcus (age 11) and Amanda Persson (8) take a bite out of their spooky crackers beijingkids 2014 October

Food for Thought DINING

riends Sara Persson and Stacey Savant love to eat. Having lived in Beijing for four and five years respectively, one of their favorite activities was discovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants around the city. When they started replicating Chinese dishes at home, friends asked them to share their recipes; that’s when they had the idea to offer cooking classes to expats. Now in its second year, STARAfood averages one or two classes per week and prioritizes recipes that use simple, easy-to-find ingredients. For this issue, Persson enlists the help of her kids – Marcus (age 11) and Amanda (8), both students at the International School of Beijing (ISB) – to make a seasonal pumpkin, orange, and carrot soup with spooky crackers. The shoot takes place in Savant’s kitchen, where most of STARAfood’s classes are held. The recipe is wholesome, super-simple, and just in time for Halloween. To find out more about STARAfood, visit starafood.blogspot.com (VPN needed) or email starafood@gmail.com.

Pumpkin, Orange, and Carrot Soup 南瓜，橙子和胡萝卜汤

Prep the ingredients: Peel and dice the pumpkin and the carrot, grate some orange peel for zest, then juice the orange.首先准备好原料：南瓜和胡萝卜去皮切丁，用擦子擦出一点儿橙皮末，再榨好橙汁。

Serves 4 做四人份

Ingredients 成分 2tbsp of olive oil 2汤匙橄榄油 1 onion, finely diced 1个洋葱，切粒 2 cloves of garlic, diced 2瓣儿蒜，切丁 1tsp cumin seeds 1茶匙孜然 1 small pumpkin 1个小南瓜 One large carrot 1根大一点儿的胡萝卜 One orange 1个橙子 3 cups of vegetable or chicken stock 3杯蔬菜汤或鸡汤 Yogurt or sour cream to taste 酸奶或酸奶油，按口味 Salt and pepper to taste 盐和黑胡椒，按口味

Heat the olive oil in a large pan. Cook the onion, garlic, and cumin seeds on low heat until the onion softens and the cumin seeds begin to pop. Add the vegetables, and cook on medium heat for two minutes. Add the orange zest, stock and orange juice. Simmer until the vegetables soften. 在一个大平底锅里把橄榄油加热。用小火炒洋葱，大蒜和孜然，直到洋葱变软，孜然开始爆裂。加入南瓜和胡萝卜，中火继续加热两分钟。加入橙皮末，然后加入蔬菜汤或鸡汤，再加入橙汁。用小火煮，直到蔬菜变软。

Remove mixture from heat and puree until smooth in a food processor or with an immersion blender. Pour the soup back into the pan. Let simmer, then season with salt and pepper. Drizzle with yogurt or sour cream before serving. 关火，放入搅拌机打匀，再把打匀的汤放回锅里，用小火热透，加盐和黑胡椒。最后上桌之前，按口味放一点酸奶或酸奶油。

To put a Halloween twist on this recipe, make some easy-peasy spooky crackers out of puff pastry. 如果要增加万圣节气氛，可以在汤里加入一些小怪物之类的‘恐怖’小饼干。 Spooky Crackers万圣节饼干 Makes approximately 8-10 crackers 大概做8-10块饼干 Ingredients 原料 One sheet of puff pastry, thawed 一片千层酥皮，解冻 Black sesame seeds 黑芝麻 Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 175°C (350°F). 烤箱预热至175°C。

2. Place the thawed puff pastry on a baking sheet. Sprinkle the sesame seeds on it and gently press down on the pastry. 将酥皮摆在烘焙垫上，撒上黑芝麻籽。用手轻轻把芝麻压进酥皮。 3. Use either a cookie cutter or a knife to make spooky shapes of your choice. We did ghosts and bats.用饼干刀或普通刀刻出你想要的形状。我们做的是蝙蝠和鬼。 4. Bake until golden (around 7-8 minutes) and enjoy with your soup. 烤至金黄色7-8分钟）。

October 2014 beijingkids

Roll Out the Red Carpet Eight places to see some of Beijingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s autumn colors by Nimo Wanjau

utumn is finally in full swing. Be sure to catch Beijing in a sea of yellow, orange, and red leaves before winter turns the city a dreary gray. The changing leaves are a beautiful sight to behold, especially in areas covered with maples, gingko trees, and oaks. Fragrant Hills (Xiangshan) is one of the most popular places in Beijing to appreciate the changing of the seasons, but it also happens to be one of the most crowded. Several other sites in Beijing offer a better alternative to the popular destination for a day of hiking or walking, photography, and playing in the leaves.

photo: MRhatata (Flickr)

beijingkids 2014 October

October 2014 beijingkids

Baiwangshan 百望山 Boasting a variety of maple trees from the US and Holland, Baiwangshan has two main sightseeing points: the Friendship Pavilion and Langfeng Pavilion. The Friendship Pavilion is accessible through a flat walking path surrounded by trees while Lanfeng Pavilion offers a panoramic view from the top of the mountain. Best times to go: Mid-October to mid-November RMB 6. Daily 8am-5pm. 19 Heihu Beikou, Haidian District (6288 4508, 6287 7730) 海淀区黑山扈北口19 号（近颐和园）

ll at Wa yu Gre Mutian 峪长城慕田 nd east wded a m north ers a less cro k 5 ore 7 m d e n off re ar Nestle ll sectio Badaling. The old, a g , W d t e a r with than yu Gre e ll n p a a a ti r w c u s e b d of th vem e e lan CBD, M late No section h fill th of the ic d to h e r r w e to b , cto l res trees : Mid-O peacefu cies of 0pm e to go 00 spe m ,0 ti 0 t 8 s am-5.3 2 e than ves. B ily 7.30 a a le D , Huain n r. e e w d und hai To n o and gre a B , 2 e 1 g 峪村 Villa child 镇慕田 MB 25/ utianyu 区渤海柔 adult, R Oct). M / 怀 r 5 p 4 ) A 2 B ( 602 RM m-6pm 5, 6162 ar), 7a 62 650 1 6 ( (Nov-M t tric rou Dis

Beigong N ational Forest Park 北宫国家森林公园

Located in Fengtai Dis trict, this pa lake, a fruit rk sprawls o orchard, a ver 1,800 h 240m-high spots. There ectares. wit viewing pla ’s also a bir ha tform, and d-watching Forest,” so several sce section calle take those n ic d the”100 Sp those binocu ecies of Bir lars with yo ds u. Best tim October to e to go: Ea mid-Novem rl y ber RMB 10. Da ily 6.30am-8 p m (Apr 1-N Dahuiguang ov 30), 7am Donglu, Ch -5pm (Dec angxindian 1-Mar 31). Town, Feng 55 tai District (8 丰台区长辛店镇大灰厂 384 0830) 东路55号

Mangshan National Forest Park 蟒山国家森林公园

Located near the Ming Tombs Reservoir in Changping District, Mangshan is the largest forest in the capital at 82sqkm. The park has over 170 species of trees and flowers, and is a popular hiking spot for tourists climbing the 3,666 steps to the highest peak. The park also contains the largest stone-carved Buddha in North China. Best time to go: Mid-October to late November RMB 20 (adults), RMB 10 (students and seniors). Daily 8am-5pm. 2 Mangshan Lu, Changping District (6071 1866) www.msforestpark.com/ lianxi.asp 昌平区蟒山路2号

beijingkids 2014 October

What’s Fun In PLAYING

Hongluo Temple 红螺寺 Hongluo (Red Snail) Temple is one of the largest Buddhist temples in northern China and was built during the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420). Visitors can stroll the tree-lined path leading to Hongluo or take the cable car up to Guanyin Temple, which offers panoramic views from the peak of Hongluo Mountain. Best time to visit: Late October to late November RMB 54. Cable car- RMB 60 (round - trip), RMB 40 (one - way). Daily 8am-5.30pm (summer), 8am-4.30pm (winter). 2 Hongluo Donglu, Hongluoshan, Yanxi Town, Huairou District (6068 1175) www. hongluosi.com 怀柔区雁栖镇红螺山下红螺东路2号

Peking and Tsinghua University Campuses

You don’t have to leave the city to enjoy autumn leaves; two of the most prestigious universities in China happen to have campuses filled with red, gold, and orange trees. The grounds offer a quiet sanctuary; combine the visit with a jaunt to Wudaokou or the Summer Palace. Best time to go: Mid-Octo ber to late November Peking University (Beida) 北京大学 Free. 8am-9pm. 5 Yiheyuan Lu, Haid ian District (6275 1230/1) www.pku .edu.cn 海淀区颐和园路5号 Tsinghua University 清华大学 Free. 8am-9am. Chengfu Lu, Haid ian District (6278 9437, 8286 3785) www.tsinghua.edu.cn 海淀区成府路

rk est Pa ng For li a d 园 a B 森林公八达岭

ling Na e, Bada m 0 a 0 n ,0 e an 50 e sam n of th more th lar o u s ti p c in o e p ta s d con ark a t Wall n p a a e e r s th e G r s the ake to late hecta d near stival m tember ers 56 e v p F o e c S d Locate e k r te R a : La the orest P tumn, e to go tional F very au Best tim E . . e s g e a e li tr r maple g fall fo Octobe ), daily r viewin ummer s ( m place fo p g 5.30 Badalin .30amay from 91) t-Sun 8 w a h S , ig h m 5p the 2/25 ri 7amacross 12 184 . Mon-F nty (69 ). South u r o te C in g RMB 45 w qin m( ter, Yan 9am-4p all Cen 南城 Great W 长八达岭延庆县

ngshan Miaofe 妙峰山

t s ancien ed for it m nd fa a e is shan eritag iaofeng ligious h M g re , in g k a in s ta ij a rea h breath om Be s. The a valleys, 70km fr to e p s d r e e n ro e b u r d to ro e r the umm rly Oc ugou a s, and s ok out fo time to go: Ea in Mento tructure sses. Lo t s s e e d k Located c B d o . ro s g g rock e of , strikin pings of the hom temples outcrop sidered n c ber o ti m c a e e v m c o was on early N , and dra ls il r). h e f th m (winte views o 8am-5p , r) e m (sum m-6pm nship, Daily 7a . han Tow 0 s ) 3 g n B RM 88 2936 Miaofe 1 istrict (6 D u o g Mentou 妙峰山镇门头沟区

October 2014 beijingkids

The cafe by the pool

Poplar Kids Library

Commune by the Great Wall isn’t just for architecture nerds by Sijia Chen

beijingkids 2014 October

Kids’ Club

“Russian” dress, American cowboy outfit, and a diminutive Scottish kilt), and separate TV rooms. Everything, from the furniture to the bathrooms, was child-sized. Activities include stargazing, soccer, gardening, hiking, arts and crafts, and movie watching. Child care is also available. We then visited four of the original 12 houses: the Cantilever House by Antonio Ochoa, the Bamboo Wall House by Kengo Kuma, the Shared House by Kanika R’kul, and the Furniture House by Shigeru Ban. My favorite was the Cantilever House (known

photos: Courtesy of Commune by the Great Wall

n 2002, a project featuring the work of 12 prominent Asian architects won a special architecture award at the Venice Biennale. This is the familiar story of Commune by the Great Wall, a series of boutique retreats located far from the clamor of downtown Beijing. Now managed by SOHO China, the collection has grown to include 40 villas – many of them replicas of the original houses. I first heard of Commune by the Great Wall when I moved to Beijing four years ago, but I didn’t have a chance to visit until this August. Over the past few years, the boutique hotel has turned its attention to families with the construction of a kids’ club in 2007. When we arrived at the Courtyard, the Commune’s central clubhouse, there were many Chinese families milling about despite the light rain outside. The first stop on our tour was the Kids’ Club, a white building spanning two floors and attached to a tiered outdoor swimming pool (open only during the summer). The clean, airy club has a child-sized kitchen used for the cooking classes, complete with tiny aprons and chef’s hats. Down a corridor is the Poplar Kids’ Republic Library and Bookstore, opened in partnership with the Beijing-based children’s bookstore of the same name. The library has several reading nooks, books in English and Chinese, and regularly hosts story time. The stairs leading up to the second floor opened onto a large recreation room with a closed, padded play area for babies, a dress-up corner with national costumes (including a flouncy

weekend warrior

PLAYING

Juyongguan Great Wall

Bamboo Wall House

Shared House

Suitcase House Forest House

as the “Red House” in Chinese), in which a wooden walkway winds around an inner courtyard, over a grassy slope to a rooftop terrace with sweeping 360° views of the mountains. In front of us, we could see Chen Hsueh-Yi’s Airport House nestled in the green hills; behind us, the Great Wall snaked over the mountain only a ten-minute hike away. Commune by the Great Wall has a number of other services, including two restaurants and a bar at its central clubhouse, a spa with massages and new detox programs, and an adult-sized swimming pool with a cafe. Activi-

ties include romantic getaways, hiking on the Great Wall, yoga, cycling, and more. The staff can arrange for a van to pick you up and drop you off between various points. However, the spa and restaurants were definitely on the pricey side. Staying in the original houses isn’t cheap; a night in one room will set you back around RMB 2,500. That’s why many visitors opt to stay in one of the replica villas. If you want privacy, we recommend getting together several families to reserve a house together; otherwise, there’s the chance that you’ll be sharing the space with strangers. Request a house with the number “2” after its name (e.g. Bamboo Wall House #2); these are closer to the Kids’ Club. During the summer, ask for a house near the adult-sized swimming pool if you have older kids. Peace and quiet are easier achieved if you book during the week, when you’ll feel like you have the entire Commune to yourself. With October being the best time of the year in Beijing, now is the ideal time to enjoy the changing landscape at the Commune. But hurry – the hotel’s regular season ends at the end of November and won’t restart until March.

October 2014 beijingkids

Bat O’Lantern Keystone’s Halloween centerpiece will get your party pumpkin text by Aisling O’Brien, photos by DavePiXSTUDIO

Keystone Elementary Art Teacher Nan Lu and student Coco Zhai (age 9) with their gourd-geous creation

beijingkids 2014 October

MAKER'S CORNER Estimated time: 30 minutes to 2 hours (depending on whether you use a hairdryer or not) Suitable for: Age 5+ (adult supervision required) Materials • Miniature pumpkin • Hairdryer (optional) • Black acrylic paint • Black marker • Paintbrush • Pencil • Black construction paper • Scissors • White construction paper • Orange construction paper (optional) • Glue gun (or double-sided sticky tape)

ine-year-old Coco Zhai bounces into Nan Lu’s art classroom, eager to get crafting. Both Coco and Lu Laoshi are native Beijingers, and pioneers at the fresh-as-paint Keystone Academy. The impressive and spacious campus is housed in a red brick, modern-meets-Jacobean building in Shunyi. Lu is the art teacher at the bilingual primary school, which opened its doors in September with almost 200 students. Keystone emphasizes using the arts to encourage exploration, collaboration, and independent thinking – and it shows. Under Lu’s watchful eye, bubbly Coco breezes through our Halloween craft project, to which she adds her own twist. “He needs a crazy mouth to go with his crazy eyes,” she says, giggling.

PLAYING

Steps

Instructions

1. First, cover the work area with paper, then paint the entire surface of the pumpkin with black paint. Allow it to air dry completely or speed things up with a hairdryer. 2. Fold the black construction paper in half, and pencil in the shape of a bat wing; don’t forget a triangle for the ears. Cut out the wing and ear shapes with scissors. Doubling construction paper ensures the pairs of ears and wings will match. Fold the base of the of the wings and ears back to form tabs. 3. Fold the white construction paper in half, draw an eye shape, and cut it out. Draw dots or swirls on the eye shapes for pupils. 4. Draw a mouth on the orange construction paper and cut it out with scissors. 5. Using a hot glue gun, glue the wings and ears by their tabs to the pumpkin. 6. Affix the eyes and mouth. If you don’t have a hot glue gun, use double-sided tape to secure the construction paper. Dry the glue with the hairdryer or allow to air dry.

October 2014 beijingkids

I Want to Be a

News Anchor

Neela Eyunni, reporting live from BSB Sanlitun text by Yvette Ferrari, photos by Dave PiXSTUDIO

ou might recognize CCTV News Anchor Neela Eyunni from Asia Today or News Update, the two live shows that she hosts for the network. The American journalist began her Beijing journey in 2006 as a university student studying abroad. After writing for print publications in Colorado and moving back to Beijing, Eyunni eventually landed a position with CCTV as the first foreign reporter on their reporting team. Recently, students from the British School of Beijing, Sanlitun flipped the script as they became the ones to ask the questions and Eyunni sat in the hot seat.

beijingkids 2014 October

When I Grow Up LEARNING

“The other day, I was talking to our correspondent in Ukraine and, as I’m asking her if the fighting is over, there was a big explosion”

Hannah Thurbon, 10, Australia Are you ever nervous about interviewing someone? I get nervous before I interview people all the time, but I don’t think of it as a bad thing anymore. Now I think of it in terms of “I’m nervous because I’m excited.”

Sarina Soleimani, 11, Iran What does being a journalist mean to you? It means learning what’s going on around the world and being able to share that information with others. I want to tell meaningful stories and grab the audience’s attention.

Quinn McKissack, 10, Australia How did it feel to be the first foreign reporter on the CCTV reporting team? It was nerve-wracking at the beginning. I had to learn a new editing system, how to communicate with the cameraman, and do interviews in Chinese. It was like jumping into the deep end [of the pool] – challenging but very rewarding.

Chelsey Dong, 10, Australia If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why? Hillary Clinton would be a good person to talk to, because I’m doing a lot of political news right now and my focus is on international relations.

William Flanders, 10, US What is your favorite part about being a reporter? Becoming a temporary expert. My job forces me to learn about things that are really interesting. You really need to understand what’s going on in order to ask good questions and present the news in an intelligent way.

Hadijia Shimbo, 11, Tanzania Why did you become a journalist? It started with a love of writing and developed from there. When I first completed an article, I felt really fulfilled and great about it. Also, I’m a really curious person and that’s key for a journalist. If you see something, you have to want to know more and tell the story.

Lucas Taylor, 10, US What job did you want when you were small? I wanted to be a doctor but I took a broadcast journalism class in college and changed my mind. My teacher wasn’t actually in the classroom. He was on a live feed from Washington DC. Everyone had microphones and we would buzz in to ask questions. The first three classes, I was so nervous I couldn’t even ask a question. When I finally did, it felt really good and that started my interest to go into broadcast journalism.

Sandra Arika, 10, Kenya Have you had embarrassing moments on air? I make mistakes all the time. One of the first times I was on camera, I messed up the order of the stories so the video and what I was saying was off. They can also be little mistakes, like mispronouncing a word. But I don’t think people focus on your mistakes. You just have to let it go and remember people aren’t watching a robot.

Adam Portch, 10, UK Where do most people get their news from these days? Most people get their news online, whether it’s websites or social media. That’s really important as a journalist today because news networks and companies want someone who can do it all. For past jobs, I’ve had to write for the blog and the newspaper, and take my own pictures for the website. It’s really important to understand and be able to work in those mediums.

Isaac Scrimgeour, 10, Australia What was your most interesting interview? My day-to-day interviews with correspondents. The other day, I was talking to our correspondent in Ukraine and, as I’m asking her if the fighting is over, there was a big explosion. It’s those moments when you really get a sense of what exactly is happening at that place, at that time.

October 2014 beijingkids

In Celebration of Square Pegs Creativity means independent thinking, not the ability to paint masterpieces by Yvette Ferrari The younge

beijingkids 2014 October

We spoke with Dr. Heather Weiss, founder and director of the Harvard Family Research Project (HFRP) and a senior research instructor at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. HFRP’s mission is to improve practice, intervention, and policy to support children’s successful development from birth to adulthood. Dr. Weiss believes that successful learning starts not at a prestigious school, but at home. “Some of the most disadvantaged kids are from the wealthiest families, and that’s because their families are making and spending money and the nanny is taking care of them,” she says. She explains that parents who send their children to elite or private schools are often making a misguided decision; while they assume that the child will get the best education possible, the reality is that schools don’t always fully engage with parents. This leads to parents being unaware of their child’s learning difficulties and missing opportunities to be involved in their learning. Though starting education early is essential, Dr. Weiss says parents should strongly consider a school’s willingness to engage with them when choosing a preschool program. “A good center won’t risk any separation of parent and child,” she says. Look for the following: Does the school introduce the child to their new surroundings the start of school? Does the school try to engage (and continue to engage) parents in the child’s academic life? Does it facilitate regular conversations between teachers and parents about how to support learning at home? In addition to engagement, Dr. Weiss says the most essential characteristic of a quality preschool program is building a transition to the next stage of education. Once the groundwork for learning is successfully laid, HFRP research shows that a child is far more likely to demonstrate innovation in later stages of schooling.

photos: courtesy of bcis

Let the Creative Juices Flow Creativity is so prized in early childhood education circles that it became the theme of the first-ever International Preschool Education Conference (IPEC) in August. Sponsored by Etonkids Education Group, the weekend-long conference hosted international education experts for a series of talks and workshops. The workshops encouraged the exchange of ideas between parents and teachers; topics included cultivating creativity through play, engaging ways to read to children, art and music education, and using coaching methods to encourage creativity.

ng r learni spaces

he latest buzzword among early childhood education experts is “creativity.” From educational websites to school curricula, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a reputable academic source that doesn’t acknowledge the growing value of creativity. But what exactly is all the fuss about? “Creative” people used to be regarded as artistic by nature, but in recent years, creativity has come to be regarded as a quality that can be learned, challenging educators to come up with ways to help students acquire and develop these skills. As the world becomes more interconnected, employees who are considered creative are particularly prized in the workplace; described as “innovators,” “problem solvers,” and “out-of-the-box thinkers.” This enlarged definition of creativity guides teachers’ efforts to prepare their students for the real world. By encouraging them to become self-directed learners and critical thinkers, a curriculum that values creativity lays the groundwork for future success. There’s no doubt that creativity is an asset, but how can parents tell whether a preschool program values this quality? Furthermore, what can they do to foster creativity at home?

oo ind he yt jo en

“What we really need is to recognize and value difference, to enable both individual and collective creativity in the service of making it a better world”

st s tu d en ts

schooled LEARNING

Students making friends in the indoor play area

Creativity Keyholders: BCIS Gets in on the Act So what might a quality preschool program look like? Let’s take Beijing City International School’s new Early Childhood Center (ECC) as an example. Opened to much fanfare in August, the ECC encompasses four levels divided by age group, beginning with the toddler program (age 2) all the way up to kindergarten (age 5). The ECC also boasts an environmentally-friendly gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environment Design) certification – the first preschool building in Beijing to hold this distinction. Before school began, kids had an orientation day to get acquainted with their teachers. Currently, focus letters are sent home every few weeks detailing the child’s progress, interests, and social interactions. Additionally, each class has its own “EDU blog,” which allows parents to log in and see regular posts highlighting activities and lesson plans at each level. The school will also hold regular curriculum workshops so parents can experience what their children are learning. The ECC facilities themselves were constructed with creativity and exchange in mind. Rather than being built on a grid, the building and its interconnected classrooms feature high ceilings and sweeping curves designed to promote a more open atmosphere. “Fields are merging, so being creative and able to respond to change is important,” says Sara Shadravan, the principal of the ECC. “Putting kids in an environment where they start looking at things from different perspectives and taking their learning to another place is what we’re trying to facilitate.” The ECC curriculum is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP). Though the IB curriculum is largely based on skills and conceptual understanding, it’s up to teachers to structure their classes and personalize learning experiences for each child.

Investigative play outdoors

“Being given a framework and [the ability to] develop it allows us to create learning spaces where kids can be creative,” says PYP Coordinator Kate Mancarella. “It’s not this predetermined mass amount of knowledge that these kids need to learn by the time they leave.” Technology serves as a valuable learning tool. Every day, children are assigned roles as either photographers or reporter, using iPods to take photos of learning topics. For instance, the “shape hunt” requires students to find and take pictures of all the shapes they can spot indoors and outdoors. “We focus on giving [kids the] skills to be creative at school because when they go home, they’ll actually know how to think for themselves outside of a school setting,” says Mancarella. In addition, two “learning spaces” in the ECC – the indoor play structure and the rooftop garden – enable hands-on exploration. Teachers can re-configure the former to present different physical challenges for the kids, while the latter allows students to do their own gardening. “The idea is to get them thinking about why we have plants and what we get from them, while another level [of learning is] looking after them,” explains Mancarella. At home, incorporating simple changes can give young children a head start to thinking for themselves, which according to our experts is where creativity comes from. Perhaps Dr. Weiss sums it up best when she says: “At the core of creativity is thinking about something differently and having new ideas. More than ever, we can use our differences to solve a lot of problems and learn from each other. What we really need is to recognize and value differences, to enable both individual and collective creativity in the service of making it a better world.”

October 2014 beijingkids

Students learning through cooking

The Dos and Don’ts of Fostering Creativity at Home Here are some suggestions from Dr. Weiss, Shadravan, and Mancarella for encouraging creativity at home:

Do: Play with your kids: Do outdoor activites like enjoying open-ended activites at the park as a family. “The idea is that kids don’t go just home, sit down and do math or activity after activity,” says Mancarella. Make storytime count: Read interactively with your child. Ask them questions, pay special attention to interesting or colorful words, and encourage them to tell the story.

Don’t: Do everything for them: Having an ayi is convenient, but it can create a situation where many things are done for your child, which sends them the message that they’re incapable of performing tasks. “When we let kids do things independently, creativity will start to happen because there’s a new situation that they have to think about and problem solve,” says Mancarella. Focus on perfection: Parents have the tendency to show children exactly how something is done. Instead, encourage creative thinking by giving kids the freedom to come up with their own solution. “If there isn’t an outcome or anything pre-determined, they don’t have to fear failure,” says Shadravan.

Cook together: Have younger kids participate in daily routines. “Sometimes it’s the little things that really count. As children learn independence, they get excited about everyday tasks and start applying their skills,” says Shadravan.

Overschedule: Overstimulation can inhibit creativity because kids don’t have time to simply reflect or daydream. Shadravan suggests playing games that require kids to use their imagination instead of breaking out the iPad. “Lie on the ground at the park on a clear day, look at the clouds and think about what animal you see, play ‘I Spy,’ or make shadow animals,” she suggests.

Engage in digital media: While many parents worry about the effects of too much screen time, Dr. Weiss sees technology as a key tool for shaping learning. “Kids are going to get involved with digital media anyway. Why not create spaces where parent and child are sitting together to use this as a tool for learning?”

Direct playtime: It can be tempting for parents to turn playtime into a learning opportunity, but resist the urge as it robs kids the chance to create their own stories. The next time your child wants you to join in a tea party with their stuffed animals, just go with it.

beijingkids 2014 October

schooled LEARNING

Kindergarten students investigate the rooftop garden

Exploring the wide range of books

Collaborative play in the construction area

Resources To learn more about engaging early childhood creativity, visit the following websites. BCIS Early Childhood Center (ECC) 11 Dongbai Jie, Chaoyang District (6770 0766) www.bcis.cn 朝阳区东柏街11号 Joan Ganz Cooney Center Named after Sesame Street Co-Founder Joan Ganz Cooney, the center aims to enhance learning through digital media. The website provides up-to-date reports and articles about techniques for engaging with kids. www.joanganzcooneycenter.org James Mackenzie Wright One of the speakers at IPEC, Wright lectures around the world on coaching and innovation in education. Emphasizing mutually respective communication, his website provides tips for “growing confident and cheerful children.” www.jameswright.eu/blog

Reading Rockets International Educational Consultant Dr. Julie M. Wood spoke at IPEC about methods and strategies for engaging children in reading. She is a guest blogger for Reading Rockets, an American multimedia initiative that offers information and resources on how younger children learn to read, why so many struggle with their learning, and how adults can help. www.readingrockets.org Harvard Family Research Project Since 1983, the Harvard family Research Project has helped develop and evaluate strategies to promote the well-being of youth, families, and their communities. The website offers research and case studies on early childhood education, family involvement, quality after-school time, and complementary learning. www.hfrp.org

October 2014 beijingkids

Students from

House of Knowledge International Kindergarten Quanfa Campus fill October’s Blank Canvas

Ethan Tsui, 3, China It’s a very scary spider.

Luis Gratz, 6, Germany It’s funny; it’s me on the inside.

Ole Strassburger, 2, Germany It has lots of eyes. Brayden Bruce, 6, US It’s my monster skeleton, but he is friendly.

beijingkids 2014 October

BLANK CANVAS LEARNING

Luiz Carlos Kicherer, 4, Germany It’s my dangerous teeth.

Johann Kubat, 5, Germany My friendly skeleton won’t scare you.

Jonas Weisse, 4, Germany Boo!

Harry Li, 3, China I would like to eat my pumpkin.

Kevin Han, 5, China It’s my inside structure.

Tiana Li, 2, China It’s a scary ghost foot.

October 2014 beijingkids

PARENTING BEIJING BABA

Victory Lap Beijing baba’s sense of adventure remains unchanged, but his energy levels do not by Christopher Lay

“I bought a Eurorail Pass, studied abroad, learned a new language, shot thousands of slides, and began amassing a priceless collection of experiences and friends from around the planet”

beijingkids 2014 October

for adventure. I aimed to visit at least one new country every year; it made little difference to me whether we did it on the cheap or in five-star luxury. Then, the twins arrived. To say they threw a wrench in the works is an understatement; they chucked the entire toolbox at me. You can take one child just about anywhere; our daughter was practically born with a passport and a knack for flying. Even a second child wouldn’t have given us much pause, but twins don’t just mess with the travel plans – they break the budget. These days, on those rare occasions we do get to travel, it is a laborious and financially painful experience. The airfares alone take a toll, but we also need adjoining hotel rooms, a gas-guzzling beast to fit in two car seats and a booster. Even on our most recent trip home, where we stayed with family and scrimped as much as we could, we still shelled out a fortune to stay on the coast for a few days; we ended up renting a beach house because the price for two hotel rooms was essentially the same. All of this makes me wax nostalgic for those simple road trips from my childhood. They were wonderful adventures into the hinterland of America, days of summer glory with my loving older brothers where nothing ever went wrong. That’s my recollection from the backseat of the VW, anyway; I realize now that my dad probably recalls things differently from the driver’s seat.

illustration: crystal liu

love to travel – always have, always will. Some of my earliest memories are of a road trip my family and I took when I was 5 to an International Baha’i Conference. We drove from southern Oregon to Chicago and back again. The memories are fragmented, but I recall eating endless club sandwiches, staying at a Holiday Inn with three huge indoor swimming pools, seeing a diver plunge into a pool at a Mexican restaurant, and witnessing my first Boeing 747 at O’Hare International Airport. Somehow, my parents managed to retain their sanity on the trip despite driving over 6,000km with three boys and no air conditioning. As I grew older, a tradition of summer road trips emerged. One year, we struck out for the Alvord Desert and the Steens Mountains in southeast Oregon, two places most Oregonians have never heard of. We searched in vain for arrowheads sticking out of the topsoil, went birding at a surprisingly wet desert wildlife refuge, and marveled at the vastness of the Milky Way while eating s’mores. Despite this wealth of experiences, we traveled on the cheap by sleeping and eating in a tent trailer pulled by our 1976 Volkswagen van. When I got my driver’s license at 16, my parents allowed me to go on my own summer road trips. I drove up to Portland to visit my brother, stayed at the beach with friends from out-of-state, and even traveled cross-country in a caravan. These journeys whetted my appetite for travel. When I graduated high school, I volunteered for a year at the Baha’i World Centre in Haifa, Israel. I boarded my first 747 and put the United States in the rearview. Since that first trip overseas, my desire to comb the globe has continued to grow. I bought a Eurorail Pass, studied abroad, learned a new language, shot thousands of slides, and began amassing a priceless collection of experiences and friends from around the planet. Marriage and the birth of our first child did little to stem my desire

Alternate Routes PARENTING

Minecraft is less objectionable than other games, I tell myself, because it can be played in a non-violent, purely creative way

Gold Mine One mother’s secret weapon for hassle-free traveling by Jennifer Ambrose

illustration: crystal liu

“H

ey, everybody – we’re in Hong Kong!” yelled my then 2-year-old son as we deplaned, looking around wildly to see what this Hong Kong might look like. I chased him down the jetway, saying ”No, Myles. Remember? We’re in Chicago. We just saw Chicago from the air and I pointed it out to you.” I reminded him of the sequence of events for the day, which began with flying from Pittsburgh, changing planes here in Chicago, then landing in Hong Kong many, many hours later. He didn’t hear me in his excitement. “See, Mommy? That sign is in Chinese!” “No, sweetie. That sign is in English,” I gently corrected him, wondering how negligent a mother I appeared if my kid couldn’t tell the difference between ABCs and hanzi. This was on our first trip to China back in the spring of 2006. My husband Randy was already working in Shenzhen, and Myles and I were on our way to join him. Myles was thrilled, though his inability to keep track of time and details was well on display at the airport that morning. I worried about how I was going to manage 15-plus hours of travel with my rambunctious son. I spent weeks planning, packing, and repacking our carry-on bag so that I would have enough activities to fill the time. I evaluated each item – from sticker books to stories and toys – on whether it would keep him occupied in relative quiet for at least an hour. I arranged them in my bag by hour of travel: Hour One, Hour Two, Hour Three, and so on. In short, I was a ball of nerves, relaxing only in the last few hours of the flight when Myles finally fell asleep. Upon arrival in Hong Kong, Myles resumed the enthusiastic outburst I’d interrupted back at O’Hare Airport. That is, after I crawled around our narrow, economy class row to gather all the stuff that had scattered during our long flight. In the years since, I’ve made more than 20 long-distance hauls with Myles and Brigid. The first few were much like that initial trip to Hong Kong, with rigidly-organized attempts to keep the kids enter-

tained on the flight, and the desperate inventorying and repacking after landing. Once Myles became an independent reader and more airlines adopted personal in-seat entertainment, I could relax a little bit more in the time leading up to our trip. Brigid still needs some guidance, but not nearly as much when she has unfettered access to cartoons – a rare treat. However, one of the greatest inventions to come along – which has freed me up before, during and after a trip – is Minecraft. Under normal circumstances, I limit Minecrafting sessions to a matter of minutes. However, that rule is ignored on the plane. The kids can play all the Minecraft they want, provided they let me read or – better yet – sleep. I often have to repeat myself so that the kids know they didn’t mishear me: “Yes, you may play all the Minecraft you want if you leave me alone.” Minecraft is less objectionable than other games, I tell myself, because it can be played in a non-violent, purely creative way. With all the building going on, it’s like playing with Legos. There’s a bit of engineering and problem-solving too, in that users need to understand certain properties of the materials in order to use them. Keeping the kids glued to one screen or another not only helps me have a more restful flight, but there is so much less to collect after we land. The downside is weaning them off Minecraft in our jet-lagged haze. It may have taken me eight years to master flying with kids, but I am still a novice when it comes to overcoming jet lag with kids.

Jennifer Ambrose hails from Western Pennsylvania and misses it terribly. She still maintains an intense devotion to the Pittsburgh Steelers. She has lived in China since 2006 and is currently an at-home mother. With her husband Randy and children Myles and Brigid, she resides outside the Sixth Ring Road in Changping, northwest of Beijing. Her blog can be found at jenambrose.blogspot.com.

October 2014 beijingkids

Wanderlust photo by Mishka Family Photography

acations are a great time to kick back and relax as a family. Whether that means chilling out on a beach, exploring a city, or taking on an action adventure, we have a destination for you. If traveling with kids sends you into a tailspin, check out our planning feature; weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got your language needs, baggage allowances, and airport commute covered, plus we speak to Beijing parents about their top tips for surviving the flight. Finally, apartment or villa accommodations are ever-popular with families, so we speak to two Airbnb households about their experiences traveling and hosting. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re cleared for takeoff, so make like a tree and leave!

Armin Wank (age 8) sets2014 off on October an adventure at 798 beijingkids 50

October 2014 beijingkids

Spring Fling Get into gear for Chinese New Year

lthough it’s not 2015 yet, believe us – in travel terms, Chunjie is almost here. The Spring Festival sees an annual exodus from Beijing to all parts of China, Asia, and beyond. And it’s not just the Chinese who are on the move; the Lunar New Year is a major holiday in many neighboring countries. The fact that 2015 is a lunar “leap” year, which means that the first day of Chunjie falls much later than usual on February 19, that’s no excuse to dawdle on booking plane tickets and accommodations. We feature ten gorgeous domestic and international destinations, and focus on what makes them great for families. We’ve done your homework for you, so now it’s really time for you to get the credit card out!

Cities

by Aisling O’Brien

Hong Kong Suitable for: All ages Flight duration: Three hours Visa information: Visitors from 148 countries can visit Hong Kong visa-free, while Chinese nationals must apply for an entry permit (details at www.immd.gov.hk). Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A and typhoid

beijingkids 2014 October

PHOTO:Courtesy of gary, prachanart viriyaraks, dans (flickr)

Hong Kong may conjure up images of a claustrophobic metropolis, but within and around its modern exterior lurk plenty of kid-friendly activities. Easily accessed on the MTR, Hong Kong Disneyland is no doubt first on the list for families. The ever-popular Ocean Park on the south coast of Hong Kong Island is less convenient to access (accessible by taxi and bus only), but also worth it. Split into two levels, the upper and lower floors are connected by a cable car that provides great views and can be a thrilling ride in itself on a windy February day. Attractions include an aquarium, pandas, dolphins, and rollercoasters. Cross Victoria Harbor on the iconic Star Ferry before catching the Symphony of Lights, a laser, lights, and music show that takes place every night at 8pm. It’s best observed from the Avenue of the Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui or the Hong Kong Cultural Center at Wan Chai. Take a short, steep tram ride to the Peak for panoramic views of Hong Kong. Various family-friendly walking trails fan out from the summit. Hong Kong’s New Year’s celebrations are spectacular. If you’re there on February 19, be sure to take in the International Chinese New Year Night Parade (also at Tsim Sha Tsui), a dazzling procession of lion dancers, floats, and performers from around the world. Interactivity is key at Hong Kong’s Science Museum, where the optical illusion playground in particular is fun for all ages. Future astronauts are sure to love the Space Museum, where they can ride a gyroscope, watch the Sky Show, and pilot a moon lander. Kid-friendly snacks include sweet mini-egg puffs with crunchy shells, the city’s famous milk tea, wonton stuffed with shrimp Singapore at night and pork, and curried fish balls.

Victoria Harbor as seen from The Peak

FEATURES

Taipei Suitable for: All ages Flight duration: Two hours Visa information: Travelers from 45 nations, including most North American and European countries, can travel to Taiwan visa-free (see www.boca.gov.tw for details). Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A

Taipei at sunset

Taiwan’s vibrant capital city is located in a subtropical climate with balmy temperatures year-round. To escape the heat, head to Formosa Fun Coast for a day of splashing around on the lazy river and water slides, including the largest one in Asia. For another huge attraction, check out Taipei Zoo, the largest in Asia, where the Giant Panda House is especially popular. Tired families can take the shuttle train to tour the exhibits. For something on a more intimate scale, Miniatures Museum of Taipei has over 200 tiny items on show. Little houses can be fascinating for little people, and peering into the museum’s exhibits is a charming way to spend a few hours. The daring can ride the Sky Cycle, a bike 20m in the air at the National Taiwan Science Education Center. Exhibits include a Kid’s Learning and Discovery Playground, a 3D theater, and a virtual reality theater. During Chunjie, many streets are decorated with plum blossoms. The city’s cultural program includes folk performances, temple fairs, the Sky Lantern Festival, and ubiquitous fireworks. Be sure to eat out at the famous Shihlin Night Market; look out for pan-fried dumplings, oyster omelets, Taiwanese sausages, and bubble tea.

Singapore Suitable for: All ages Flight duration: Six hours Visa information: Most nationalities can stay 30 to 90 days without a visa in Singapore, while many Asian travelers can apply for an e-visa online (details at www.mfa.gov.sg). Recommended vaccinations (according to the Center for Disease Control): Hepatitis A and typhoid Safe, modern, and immaculate, Singapore is an ideal destination for families wishing to get a taste of Southeast Asia without any of the hassle. Its amenities and infrastructure are amazingly kid-friendly; even the airport terminals have adventure playgrounds (check out the Kinetic Rain installation at Changi Terminal 1). A comprehensive public transport network, cheap cabs, and the absence of a language barrier make it easy to get around. Singapore’s tropical rainforest climate means year-round hot and humid weather, so cool off at one of the city’s many beaches or water parks, from the free children’s water play area at the Gardens by the Bay to Adventure Cove Waterpark (just one of several attractions on man-made Sentosa Island, including Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Dolphin Island). If aquatic animals aren’t your thing, there are plenty of other animal adventures on offer. The rainforest landscape at Singapore Zoo is populated with elephants, snakes, and most famously, orangutans. In addition, Jurong Bird Park has over 5,000 birds across 400 species. If you’re traveling with little ones, the tram at the Night Safari provides a welcome respite for tired legs. Retaining much of its British colonial charm as well as a unique fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, Singapore has a wide choice of authentic cuisines. Visit the Newton hawker markets for a dinner of otah-otah (fish cooked in banana leaves). Be sure to check out Little India, Kampong Glam (the Malay area), and Chinatown, the center of the New Year’s festivities. Chinese New Year is a major event on the Singaporean calendar, with highlights like the Chingay Parade, a street carnival with floats, fire-eaters, and dancers held along the marina waterfront.

October 2014 beijingkids

Sports by Nimo Wanjau

Trekking and Hiking in Myanmar Suitable for: Ages 8+ Flight duration: Six hours to Bangkok, followed by a 40-minute domestic flight to Myanmar’s Heho Airport Visa information: Tourist visas required in advance or on arrival; e-visas are available for certain nationalities (check www.evisa. moip.gov.mm for details). Recommended vaccinations: Malaria, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, and typhoid

, Myanmar e Shan Hills Hiking in th

beijingkids 2014 October

PHOTO:Courtesy of kyle taylor, eddy, mark fischer (flickr), Wikimedia Commons

Myanmar’s turbulent history means that the country has only started opening up to tourism in the past few years. Virtually untouched by modern-day excesses, the country’s allure lies in its unspoiled landscapes, colorful festivals, and breathtaking temples. The most famous attraction is Bagan, but nature lovers will also enjoy Golden Rock, Ngapali Beach, Mandalay, Yangon, and Shan State. In particular, the areas around the towns of Kalaw and Pindaya in Shan State are famed for their trekking and hiking. A popular route goes from Kalaw to Inle Lake, taking three days and two nights; the journey is suitable for active older kids. There are pit stops at nearly eight villages, affording beautiful views of the Shan Hills. Accommodation is mainly at monasteries or local homes with very basic facilities. The two major communities that travelers will encounter are the Palaung – thought to be earliest Traditional fishing on Inle inhabitants of Myanmar – and the Intha, who Lake, Myanmar live by Inle Lake. A guide is highly recommended; if the kids are too tired to walk, transportation can be promptly arranged by motorcycle or truck. Be sure to try the country’s famed tea salad, which contains shredded tea leaves, fresh beans, crunchy dried beans, garlic, and tomatoes in a peanut-based dressing. Mohinga, the unofficial national dish of Myanmar, consists of round rice noodles in a hearty, herbal fish-and-shallot-based broth, with additional toppings.

Skiing in South Korea

FEATURES

Suitable for: Ages 6+ Flight duration: Two hours Visa information: Most nationalities can stay visa-free for 30 to 180 days (see www.mofa.go.kr/eng for details). Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A and typhoid

Skiing at Yongpyong

Future host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, three quarters of South Korea is covered by mountains. Its close proximity to Beijing makes it an ideal destination for skiing enthusiasts over the short Spring Festival holiday. There are numerous ski resorts in the town of Pyeongchang that offer both real and artificial snow. The biggest and most famous ski resort, Yongpyong, is located 200km east of Seoul (about three hours’ drive) and rises from 700m to 1,458m above sea level. Yongpyong experiences an average of 250cm of snow annually, providing ample cushion for any falls. The resort has 31 slopes (including two half-pipes), 14 lifts (including a 3.7km cable car), rental shops with over 3,000 sets of skis and snowboards, a 15km cross-country trail, and overnight accommodations. Yongpyong has three world-standard ski slopes for advanced skiers. For beginners and children, there are plenty of gentler slopes. The resort is home to South Korea’s largest ski house, Dragon Plaza. Other facilities include a children’s playroom, bowling alley, games room, karaoke rooms, and an indoor driving range. As for food, be sure to try galbi, often mistakenly referred to as “Korean barbecue.” The latter is beef or pork short ribs marinated in ganjang (Korean soy sauce), and can be enjoyed with or without spice.

Cycling in Cambodia Suitable for: Suitable for: Ages 10+ Flight duration: No direct flights from Beijing. It’s six hours to Bangkok, then another 45-minute flight to Siem Reap. Visa information: Visas in advance on arrival required, e-visas available for select countries (see www.evisa.gov.kh for details). Recommended vaccinations: Malaria, hepatitis A and B, Japanese Encephalitis, and typhoid Though its history is marked by decades of civil unrest, modern-day Cambodia boasts a booming tourism industry buoyed by its stunning landscapes and rich culture. Built over 600 years ago, the worldfamous Angkor Wat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the world’s largest religious structure, and is still in use today. Cycling is one of the best ways to see the Siem Reap region, where the terrain is relatively flat. You can also rent a vehicle for longer distances. Divide your visit to Siem Reap into two days. On the first day, start at the east gate and tour Banteay Samré, East Baray, and Srah Sang. On the second day, start at the west gate and head to Bayon Temple and its “face towers,” Ta Nei, Takeo, and Ta Phrom’s silk-cotton trees. This itinerary totals around 25km by bike, plus another five hours for exploring the sites. a mbodi gkor Wat, Ca One of the world’s oldest cuisines, Khmer cooking is characterized by its Cycling at An simplicity, freshness and mild spiciness. Fans of Thai food will find familiar curry dishes with less of a kick, such as Khmer red curry with beef, chicken or fish, eggplant, green beans, potatoes, fresh coconut milk, lemongrass and kroeung (a type of curry paste). A common breakfast dish, bai sach chrouk (“pork and rice”) consists of slow-grilled pork slices often marinated in coconut milk, accompanied by sides such as pickled cucumbers, daikon radish with ginger, and chicken broth with fried onions.

October 2014 beijingkids

Beaches Railay Beach, Thailand by Yvette Ferrari

Suitable for: Ages 8+ Flight duration: About six hours in total. From Phuket airport, there’s a two-hour ride to Ao Nang in Krabi, where the boat leaves for Railay Beach. Visa information: More than 40 countries are visa-exempt and can stay for up to 30 days in Thailand (see www.embassy-in-china.com/thai for details). Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and anti-malaria medications.

Thailand is widely considered a paradise for beach lovers; Railay Beach provides ample justification for that. Located between Krabi and Ao Nang, this small peninsula has no roads or cars, and is only accessible by long-tail boat. Railay is famous among rock climbers for its limestone formations, but the island also offers elephant trekking, white water rafting, island tours, and snorkeling. West Railay Beach is more suitable for families, with a number of resorts and hotels. Sunbathe at one of Railay’s four beaches or play in the ocean; parents can also take in some R&R at a spa and enjoy a Thai massage. Located 15 minutes away by boat, Ao Nang is suitable for a day trip. This resort town has a main street with restaurants and shops, as well as scuba diving. Banana nutella “pancakes” (actually more similar to crepes) are sure to be a hit with kids. Coconut chicken curry is also a must-try. Just remember to watch out for those spicy Thai chilis!

aii w a ,H aii

Railay Beach, Thailand

aw Suitable for: Ages 5+

Flight duration: Hawaiian Air now offers a direct flight from Beijing to Honolulu, which takes around 11 hours. It’s then another 40 minutes’ domestic flight from Honolulu to the Big Island. Visa information: Travelers from 35 countries are eligible to visit the US through the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). All other nationalities must apply for a standard Tourism and Visit Visa (B-2) at US Embassy (see www.beijing.usembassy-china. org.cn for details). Recommended vaccinations: None The Big Island is the youngest and largest of the idyllic Hawaiian island chain, with a seemingly endless number of beaches. Kayaking, surfing, swimming at the waterfalls, and interacting with dolphins are just some of the activities on offer. Westerly Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach on the Big Island, with ample parking, restrooms, and picnic facilities. Anaehoomalu Beach (“A-Bay for short) is another popular beach known for its dazzling sunsets. Though the winter brings larger waves, A-Bay’s crescent shape shelters the beach with waves breaking further out at sea, which means that kids can still build sandcastles and swim under the watchful eye of a lifeguard. On the east side of the Big Island lies Onekahakaha Beach Park, a shallow and sandy ocean pool known as one of the safest swimming areas along the coast. Featuring tide pools and inlets, the spot is a local favorite for snorkeling. No Hawaiian experience is complete without attending a luau, a traditional Hawaiian feast accompanied with Hawaiian music and hula dancing. Be sure to try the famous roast pig and chili rice.

beijingkids 2014 October

Sanya, Hainan

FEATURES

Suitable for: Ages 2+ Flight duration: Three hours (direct flights available from Beijing to Sanya Phoenix International Airport). Visa information: Foreigners require a valid Chinese visa for all domestic travel. Refer to the Public Security Bureau for extending or obtaining a Chinese visa at www.ebeijing.gov.cn. Recommended vaccinations: As for the rest of China, Hepatitis A and typhoid as well as anti-malaria medications

Walking along Yalong Bay

Families looking for the quintessential beach experience without having to leave the country should head to Sanya. Located only 45 minutes from the airport, Yalong Bay features soft, white sand beaches, a host of restaurants, and resorts offering family-oriented packages. Sheraton Sanya Resort has plenty of activities for families. Older kids can try water sports, including jet skiing, water skiing, and scuba diving, while little ones receive a welcome package upon arrival and can participate in the hotels “Starfish” adventures classes. Pools, a spa, and a buffet featuring varied cuisine are also offered by the hotel. Go to sheraton.com/sanya for more information. Sanya has a reputation for great seafood. Be sure to try the seafood hotpot, dabian lu (打边炉), and fried ribs (藤桥排骨, tengqiao paigu). While this picturesque beach destination can take all the guesswork out of planning, be warned that Sanya attracts large crowds, especially during major Chinese holidays. Hedge your bets by upgrading to a five-star hotel if possible; they often boast their own private stretches of beach.

PHOTOs: Courtesy of Gerry Cacanindin, Sheraton Sanya Resort, takeinsocialmedia.com and Nicolas Vollmer (FLickr)

, Philippi lawan nes a P Suitable for: Ages 8+

Flight duration: Six hours from Beijing to Manila, then another hour from Manila to the capital of Palawan, Puerto Princesa. Visa information: Passport holders from over 157 countries can stay in the Philippines for up to 30 days. For more info, visit www. embassy-in-china.com/philippines. Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, and anti-malaria medications. Families often flock to Boracay’s pristine white-sand beaches and sparkling blue waters. However, Boracay is infamous for being the most commercialized of the Philippine islands. If the kids can withstand the extra traveling time, consider going to El Nido on the northern tip of Palawan Island. Located about four to five hours’ ride from Puerto Princesa (the capital of Palawan), El Nido can be reached by bus, van, or pre-arranged hotel shuttle. El Nido strikes a good balance between downtime and action; activities include snorkeling, hiking, caving, scuba diving, zip lining, island hopping, and sunbathing or swimming. Dos Palmas Island Resort and Spa is one hotel with its own shuttle service, bringing guests to and from Puerto Princesa. The resort has an infinity pool complete with wooden bridges and a lazy river. Filipinos are known for their hospitality, so visitors can expect accommodating service and friendly locals. Don’t leave without trying a sizzling plate of sisig, a traditional dish of pre-boiled pork or fish marinated in a sweet and tangy sauce and oven-roasted to a crisp. Note that El Nido tends to have higher prices than many other destinations in the Philippines due to its remote location; supplies must be flown in and transported from the mainland. There are also regular brownouts, making Internet access unreliable at best. It really is best for families looking to disconnect and enjoy the simple rhythms of island life. Helicopter Island at El Nido Beach

October 2014 beijingkids

Tips for getting to the airport, getting around in Chinese, and flying with kids

acations are supposed to be relaxing. After planning, packing, and re-checking everything for your family getaway, getting to the airport or navigating security shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be additional source of stress. Here, we offer handy Mandarin phrases, collect tried-and-tested advice for traveling with kids, and test drive five transportation options for commuting to the airport.

Weighing Your Options A comparison of airline baggage allowances compiled by Heather Budimulia Airline

Carry-On Limit

Check-In Limit

Overweight Charges

Infant Allowance

1 x 5kg

1 x 23kg

24-32kg: RMB 9201,230 apiece

1 x 10kg

1 x 5kg and one personal item

1 x 23kg

24-32kg: RMB 920 apiece

1 x 5kg and one personal item

1 x 23kg

Differs from airport to airport

1 x 5kg

2 x 23kg

23-32kg: RMB 1,000 apiece

None

30kg (max. 2 bags)

Every 5kg: RMB 135-220

1 x 10kg (infants with 10 percent tickets only)

1 x 7kg

30kg (no restriction on number of pieces)

Every kg: RMB 60-430

1 x 10kg

1 x 7kg

20kg (no restriction on number of pieces)

Every kg: RMB 60-370

1 x 7kg and one personal item

beijingkids 2014 October

1 x 10kg

FEATURES

Notes: All prices are based on currency exchange rates at the time of writing. Always check ahead for accurate and up-to-date charges. The information presented here applies to East Asian and Southeast Asian destinations. Flights to Japan are commonly grouped with North American routes and are subject to different rules and regulations; these exceptions are not noted here. These figures reflect economy class allowances only and do not take into account airline loyalty programs. Some overweight baggage fees differ based on the origin and destination, so a range has been provided in such cases. All airlines have restrictions pertaining to baggage size. The most common figure cites total linear dimensions (the sum of length, width,height) not exceeding 158cm. In cases where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a baggage allowance for infants, this number is usually 115cm. For airlines with an infant allowance, a foldable baby stroller or bassinet can usually be checked in for free or taken as carry-on if there is enough room on the flight.

Photo: Courtesy of Joseph Reed

Airline

Carry-On Limit

Check-In Limit

Overweight Charges

Infant Allowance

1 x 7kg

30kg (no restriction on number of pieces)

Every kg: RMB 200

1 x 10kg

1 x 7kg and one personal item

20kg (no restriction on number of pieces)

Every kg: RMB 60-340

1 x 10kg

1 x 10kg and one personal item

1 x 23kg

1 x 12kg and one personal item

1 x 23kg

1 x 7kg

1 x 20kg

RMB 920-1,530 apiece

1 x 23kg (infants with at least 10 percent tickets)

1 x 7kg and one personal item

None (all economy passengers must pay varying baggage fees)

Differs from airport to airport

None, but a foldable baby stroller may be checked in for free

1 x 7kg

20kg (no restriction on number of pieces)

Per kg: RMB 60-185

1 x 10kg

1 x 10kg and one personal item

20kg (no restriction on number of pieces)

Per kg: RMB 100-340

1 x 10kg

23-32kg: RMB 245 apiece; 32-45kg: RMB 1,230 apiece

RMB 430-615 apiece

1 x 23kg

1 x 10kg

October 2014 beijingkids

Stage 1: Check-In

Qu Na’er

SAY:

Always know where you’re going with these handy Chinese phrases

Is the flight on time? 航班按时起飞吗？ Hángbān ànshí qǐfēi ma?

by Heather Budimulia

Is it a full flight? 飞机有空位吗？ Fēijī yǒu kòngwèi ma?

Stage 2: Security LISTEN FOR:

Can you help get me seats together? 可以帮我们安排一起坐吗？ Kěyǐ bāng wǒmen ānpái yīqǐ zuò ma? Can you get me an aisle seat? 可以帮我安排靠过道的座位吗？ Kěyǐ bāng wǒ ānpái kào guòdào de zuòwèi ma?

Do you have any electronics or liquids in your bag? 包里有电子产品或液体物品吗？ Bāolǐ yǒu diànzǐ chǎnpǐn huò yètǐ wùpǐn ma?

LISTEN FOR:

Please take off your belt/hat. 请把腰带/帽子摘下来。 Qǐng bǎ yāodài/màozi zhāi xiàlái

Please get to the boarding gate an hour before boarding. 请提前一个小时到达登机门。 Qǐng tíqián yīgè xiǎoshí dàodá dēngjīmén

Please hold on to your passport and boarding pass. 请拿好您的护照和登机牌。 Qǐng náhǎo nǐn de hùzhào he dēngjī pái

Stage 3: At the Boarding Gate SAY: Why is the flight delayed? 航班为什么耽误了？ Hángbān wèishéme dānwu le? How long will my flight be delayed by? 航班要耽误多久？ Hángbān yào dānwu duōjiǔ? LISTEN FOR:

Stage 4: On the Plane SAY: Please give me a blanket. 麻烦您给我拿一张被子。 Máfan nín gěiwǒ ná yi zhāng bèizi. If I’m sleeping, please don’t wake me up for meals. 如果我在睡觉，用餐时请不要打扰我。 Rúguǒ wǒzài shuìjiào, yòngcān shí qǐng bùyào dǎrǎo wǒ. Where can I store my stroller? 把婴儿车放哪儿？ Bǎ yīng’ér chē fàng nǎ’er?

The flight has been canceled. [Flight number] 航班已经被取消。 LISTEN FOR: [Flight number] hángbān yǐjīng bèi qǔxiāo. Please fasten your seatbelts, The boarding gate has been changed. the plane is about to take off. [Flight number] 登机门有变。请大家几好安全带，飞机快要起飞了。 [Flight number] dēngjī mén yǒubiàn Qǐng jǐhǎo ānquán dài, fēijī kuài yào qǐfēi le. The flight has been delayed. [Flight number] 航班耽误了。 [Flight number] hángbān dānwu le.

beijingkids 2014 October

Please stow your luggage. 请放好你的行李。 Qǐng fànghǎo nǐn de xínglǐ.

Stage 5: Immigration (International Flights Only) LISTEN FOR: Which page is your visa on? 签证在哪页？ Qiānzhèng zài nǎ yè? Please show me your entry card. 请出示您的入境卡。 Qǐng chūshì nín de rùjìng kǎ. SAY: We’re transiting. 我们在途中。 Wǒmen zài túzhōng. Where is the baggage claim area? 行李提取处在哪儿？ Xínglǐ tíqǔ chù zài nǎ’er?

FEATURES

Beyond Taxis Five ways to reach Beijing International Capital Airport Method

Dididache 嘀嘀打车

Yidaoyongche 易到用车

Uber 优步

Airport Express 机场快轨

Beijing Airport Shuttle Bus 北京首都机场巴士

How It Works Book a cab through the Dididache app by typing in your location, destination, and desired pickup time and date. Minimum lead time is 15 minutes and time slots are divided in 15-minute increments. Available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phones.

Cost

Regular taxi fares apply.

Yidaoyongche is a black car app wth a flat rate for going to the airport. After specifying the time, date, pickup location, and terminal, your request will be sent across the Yidaoyongche network. Available for iOS, Android, and Windows Phones.

RMB 128 flat rate covers an hour and 30km, RMB 30 for every extra hour and RMB 3 for every extra kilometer

The popular US app comes to Beijing. Users cab book a taxi, private car, or rideshare. Just type your pickup location and destination in the app. Available for iOS, Android and Windows Phones.

RMB 250 flat rate for uberX (regular cars), RMB 300 for UberBLACK (luxury cars), RMB 0.35 per minute and RMB 2.17 per kilometer for People’s Uber (rideshares).

The Airport Express is fast, cheap, and convenient, dropping passengers off at both Terminal 2 and 3. The ride from Dongzhimen takes 20-40 minutes while the ride from Sanyuanqiao takes 15-35 minutes.

RMB 25 one way

Beijing Capital International Airport operates a fleet of air-conditioned buses that shuttle between sev- RMB 15, 18, 21, or 24 one way eral locations in Beijing. depending on Tickets can be purchased distance from the at the airport or from a airport ticket booth next to each stop. For details, visit en.bcia.com.cn/traffic/airbus, or call 6457 3891 or 6459 4375/76.

by Heather Budimulia

Payment options

Tips

Cash or WeChat payment. If you’re having trouble getting a cab, there’s the option of incentivizing drivers by offering a tip.

Send your request early if you need a ride at an unusual hour.

Cashless payment only (Chinese debit cards, credit cards, and online banking)

Take a regular cab unless you live really far and expect to rack up comparable fees. This app offers better value as a pickup service since taxi queues can be very long at the airport. Pickup costs RMB 148 (same conditions apply). However, you won’t be charged extra if your flight gets delayed.

Cashless payment only (Visa, Mastercard, or Alipay)

Cash or Beijing subway card

Cash only

You can’t book a ride ahead of time, so use the app well before your intended leaving time. Ridesharing with People’s Uber is cheap and convenient, but sharing baggage space could be an issue unless you’re a light packer. Boarding at Dongzhimen and snagging a seat by the door increases your chances of getting dibs on baggage space. It might also be easier to navigate the subway with a roller bag or backpack.

This option is best for those who live far and/or plan to leave well in advance. Shuttle buses are subject to the vagaries of Beijing traffic and may not leave until they have a certain number of passengers.

October 2014 beijingkids

Plane and Simple Practical tips for traveling with toddlers by Sally Wilson

hen it comes to flying with kids, not all ages are the same. Flying with babies and kids over 4 is relatively simple; most airlines are generally well set-up to accommodate infants and older kids can entertain themselves. On the other hand, traveling with toddlers is hard work. They crawl, walk, and spend most of the flight going up and down the aisle. The galley will become your holy grail, offering that little bit of floor space to play in and where the only people you’ll be annoying are the cabin crew.

Before Flying • Many airlines offer online check-in, where you can select your preferred seats. When you get to the airport, this usually means you can join a fast-track queue for luggage • check-in. Families tend to book bulkhead seats because of the extra legroom. Personally, I don’t like them; there’s no storage under the seat and the armrests don’t move up – not ideal when you have a tired child who wants to sleep in your lap. Bulkhead seats are only good if you’re traveling with an infant • small enough to fit in a bassinet. If your flight leaves very early in the morning, consider staying • at an airport hotel the night before. It’s a good idea to find out which hotels are located close to the airport in case your flight is significantly delayed (see • sidebar on the next page). Pack as light as possible and check if your hotel can provide • bulkier items like cots and bottle sterilizers. Consider investing in some reins – essentially a wrist “leash” for your toddler – for when you’re wrestling with bags, stroll• ers, passports, and boarding passes in a busy terminal. Decant any lotions and medicines into clear, travel-sized bottles of 100ml or less.

“Take a lightweight stroller for toddlers – you don’t have to check it in until you get to the gate – and a sling for babies.” - Mel, mom of Jessica (3) and Darcey (2 months)

beijingkids 2014 October

Upgrade your seats whenever possible or buy an extra seat if you’re flying economy so that you don’t always have to have your child on your lap. Book direct flights and night flights whenever possible; after the lights are turned off after the meal, the little ones are likelier to settle down and fall asleep. If night flights aren’t an option, don’t worry too much about routine; sleep times, meal times, and play times must be flexible when you’re traveling. Here are some tips from parents for traveling with as little drama and stress as possible:

• Check baggage allowances on your airline’s website; frantically trying to repack at the airport isn’t fun (see p58 for a handy table). • Keep your travel documents in a single, easy-to-access place. Pack a change of clothes for both you and the kids, and take more nappies than you think you’ll need. At the Airport • After going through security, head to a cafe for a light snack and beverage; it helps pass the time. Alternatively, pack your own healthy snacks and an empty reusable bottle to fill at the water fountain. • Terminal 3 at Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) has a small play area with a slide and a TV showing cartoons. Before boarding, do a bit of plane spotting and playing “guess the country flags.” • Shopping options are somewhat limited at BCIA, but you could treat the kids to a few small things, like key rings and pens. Families are usually encouraged to board the plane first, but you want your child zooming around the airport lounge, burning up as much energy as possible before the flight.

“Don’t be first on the plane! If you’re traveling with another adult or a teenager, let them board first so they can unpack all the snacks and toys. Then, at the very last minute, you and the kids get on. The novelty of their toys and snacks will last longer into the flight!” - Bec, mom of Will (5) and Charlotte (2)

FEATURES

Drinks and Snacks • The dryness of the cabin air can cause mild dehydration and irritated nostrils, so it’s important for everyone to regularly drink water. • Flying can also prompt air expansion in the middle ear and sinuses, which can be painful for babies and infants because of their smaller ear passages. Sucking on a sweet or having a drink during take-off and landing can help. • If your baby is formula-fed, bring only powdered milk; you can get hot water on most flights and you can buy bottled water as soon as you pass security. • Bring non-spill drinks cups and bottles for younger children; insulated ones will keep drinks either cold or warm. • Pack plenty of snacks, such as dried fruit, crackers and breadsticks, small tubs of mini-biscuits, and sugar-free jelly sweets. If you’re traveling with more than one child, make sure they each have their own snacks to avoid arguments over who has the most chips. • Divide smaller items such as snacks into plastic zip bags for easy access.

Games and Activities Remember that no matter how terrible your children behave or how long your baby may cry, the plane will eventually land. You will exit the plane and (hopefully) never see any of your fellow passengers again. In the meantime, here are some ideas of games and activities to take with you: • • • • • • • •

Packs of playing cards Pop-up and picture reveal books Reading books Coloring books, pocket books, and crayons Finger puppets with story books Loom Bands A few, small favorite toys An iPad loaded to the hilt with apps, games, and some of your child’s favorite movies

“I always take something new and wrapped, like small tubs of Play-Doh. Then we can play with it on the back of the wrapping paper.” - Karen, mom of Keria (2) “My kids must have everything identical to avoid any fighting. My daughter is passionate about art, so I give them drawing and doodling sets.” - Grace, mom of Katherine (6) and Henry (4)

“My kids love eating, so we bring lots of different snacks. But if possible, we take an overnight flight. Sleeping kids don’t need anything!” - Linda, mom of Adam (5) and Alex (3)

“After many trips with faulty in-flight entertainment, portable devices with movies and games are guaranteed to keep the kids happy and entertained whether I like it or not!” - Julia, mom of Lily (8) and Jules (6)

3 Airport Hotels in Case Your Flight Gets Delayed Crowne Plaza Beijing International Airport Twenty-four hour Crowne Café, free 24hr airport shuttle, and late check-in and check-out upon request. RMB 777-1,277 per night. 60 Fuqian Yijie, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (5810 8888, info@ cpairportbj.com) 顺义区天竺镇府前一街60号 Langham Place Beijing Capital Airport Twenty-four hour The Place Lounge Café, free 24hr airport shuttle to Terminal 3 every 15 minutes and Terminal 2 every 30 minutes, and late check-in and check-out upon request. RMB 899-1,799 per night. 1 Er’jing Lu, Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport, Shunyi District (6457 5555, lpbca.info@langhamhotels.com)

顺义区首都国际机场三号航站楼二经路1号 Hilton Beijing Capital Airport Hotel Twenty-four hour The Point Lobby Lounge, free 24hr airport shuttle from to Terminal 3 (Gate 5) every 15 minutes and from Terminal 2 (Gate 3) every 30 minutes, and late check-in and check-out upon request. 1 Sanjing Lu, Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport, Shunyi District (6458 8888, hilton.beijingairport@ hilton.com) 顺义区首都机场3号航站楼三经路1号

The above prices reflect room rates at the time of writing for two adults and one child, excluding taxes and fees. Consult with each hotel for the most up-to-date prices.

October 2014 beijingkids

Take It Slow

Two families talk about traveling and hosting with Airbnb

Gabriel,Tristan,and Jing

The Hosts: The Li-Gloege Family Jing Li is originally from Beijing. Now based in New York City with her husband Gabriel Gloege and their 2-year-old son, Tristan, she and her family visit Beijing every summer and frequently stay at Airbnb properties when they travel. They were also hosts until earlier this year, when Airbnb became embroiled in legal disputes with the city of New York. Though their listing is currently offline, Li fondly describes her experience as a host.

beijingkids 2014 October

PHOTO:Courtesy of Jing Li

The Beginning Li and Gloege first started using Airbnb in June 2011 and hosting in the fall of 2012. Li had just given birth to Tristan and her parents were living in a separate apartment in New York. Gloege often travels for business, so Li had the idea of having her parents stay at her apartment for a few days at a time in order to rent out theirs.

Hosting Experiences Li is unequivocal about her experience as an Airbnb host. “We’ve been really lucky that we’ve liked all of our guests – maybe some more than others – but we’ve met some wonderful people from Europe and Asia,” she says. “We have had some return guests and some recommended by past guests, so I guess that’s a good sign.” As travelers, she and her husband enjoy being able to have a more authentic experience when they stay at Airbnb properties worldwide. “We are not travel agency types, so I love being able to at least pretend I’m a local,” she says. “When we have been guests, our hosts have all been kind enough to give us their ‘top 10’ for everything.” Li says she loves being able to give visitors an “insider’s guide” to New York despite Airbnb’s legal troubles in the city. “There’s a lot of support locally for Airbnb, so we are hoping we will be able to list our apartment again soon.”

FEATURES The Travelers: The Halliday Family Aussies Lyndal and Stephen Halliday have been living in Beijing for two years and have two kids: 5-year-old son Leo and 6-month-old daughter May. Leo attends kindergarten at Beijing International Bilingual Academy, where Stephen is the elementary school counselor. Lyndal splits her time between parenting, teaching online, and running Beijing-based flower studio Flowerley. Travel Philosophy “We like organizing everything ourselves, taking things slowly, and living like locals,” says Lyndal. “That usually means eating lots of yummy food, hiring our own transport, and renting self-contained accommodation away from touristy areas.” The family started using Airbnb when they moved to Asia four years ago and found that renting a villa or a house gave them more flexibility with a young child than a hotel room. Favorite Activities The Hallidays prefer beach holidays in tropical destinations, especially now that they’re living in Beijing. Stephen’s work affords them long breaks, which they like to have a goal for. For example, Stephen taught Leo how to snorkel during a trip to Boracay last year. This summer in Bali, Leo got to indulge a newfound fascination for religion, volcanoes, and the ocean. Memorable Experiences In Boracay, the Hallidays rented a one-bedroom Airbnb apartment in a quiet area called Baling Hai for USD 65 (RMB 400) per night. “The best part was the huge balcony with 180-degree views of the ocean – perfect for yoga, sunset dinners, and storm watching,” says Lyndal.

The property also came with an outdoor pool and a “lovely” helper who cleaned and helped the Hallidays with arrangements. “Our favorite part of the island was Pukka Beach in the north, where we taught Leo how to snorkel, played with local children, and developed a mango smoothie addiction,” she adds. The Hallidays resorted to Airbnb again for their recent trip to Bali, renting a three-bedroom villa owned by a French family for USD 122 (RMB 750) per night. Though simply furnished, it was large enough to fit both sets of grandparents, Stephen’s brother, and a friend from China who all came to stay with them. A cleaner and a gardener came several times a week and the house was located in Canggu, about 25 minutes away from noisy Seminyak and Kuta. “We lived among rice paddies and gentrified eateries, woke to Buddhist chants and Islamic calls to prayer, and saw skies filled with traditional kites,” says Lyndal. On Airbnb “The beauty of Airbnb is that you can have almost any style of accommodation for any budget,” continues Lyndal. Renting through Airbnb is often cheaper than staying at a hotel, especially if you’re sharing the cost between multiple families. The trade-off is that families must be independent and forbearing of any issues that may arise. “You can’t just call up the front desk to fix a problem or book a tour,” says Lyndal. “You also need to remember you are in someone else’s home and treat their things accordingly. “Airbnb perfectly fits the movement towards bespoke experiences in today’s’ globalized, hipster world,” says Stephen. “The same sociological forces behind craft beers are driving people towards craft holidays. They are seeking a more genuine experience through Airbnb-type services, which traditional chain hotels can’t offer.”

view from our door

PHOTO: Courtesy of Lyndal Halliday

Pukka Beach

at the beach May’s irst time

set

sun t a s k c u Boat sunset Tr

Snorkeling October 2014 beijingkids

The Circuit is a chance to check out what’s happening on the Beijing family scene. Want to see your event on these pages?

First Annual Family Health Fair On September 14, beijingkids and JingKids hosted the inaugural Family Health Fair at Swissotel Beijing with over 300 attendees. The vendors represented a wide array of products and services related to wellness and healthy living, including hospitals, dental clinics, yoga studios, organic farms and supermarkets, restaurants, raw juice companies and more. In addition, any child who completed the beijingkids “passport” by getting a stamp at each booth received a free animal backpack.

photos: Ken

beijingkids 2014 October

THE CIRCUIT Send an email with the date of your event, a brief description, and high-resolution photos (at least 1MB each) to webeditor@beijing-kids.com by October 10.

Fire Safety Day at HoK On June 13, the local fire brigade visited House of Knowledgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shunyi campus as part of a routine fire drill. The kids demonstrated their emergency evacuation process to the firefighters, then got to explore the fire truck, use the hose, and learn about fire safety.

photos: courtesy of Hok and etonkids

Etonkids Hosts First Annual IPEC Event On August 16 and 17, Etonkids Educational Group hosted the inaugural International Preschool Education Conference (IPEC) with several international education experts as keynote speakers. The theme of the event was fostering creativity in children. For more, see p50

October 2014 beijingkids

YCIS Beijing â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meatâ&#x20AC;? and Greet On September 3, over 1,000 students, teachers and parents gathered for the annual YCIS Beijing Welcome BBQ. In addition to the barbecue, food and drink vendors included Schindlers, Taj Pavilion, and Temple Restaurant Beijing. Activities included face painting, magic shows, and balloon animals.

DCB Welcomes Back Students On August 15, Dulwich College Beijing welcomed back parents and students with an orientation morning.

photos: courtesy of YCIS and DCB

beijingkids 2014 October

THE CIRCUIT Theater Veteran Mark Hill Visits ISB On September 5, International School of Beijing students participated in a physical theater workshop led by Australian theater professional Mark Hill. The workshop focused on how to effectively use body language as a presentation skill.

photos: courtesy of ISB and NCWch

NCWCH Holds Fourth Annual Children’s Art Exhibition On September 3, New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital held its fourth annual awards ceremony for a children’s art exhibition. Over the last three months, 25 paintings were exhibited at the hospital; all were done by 3- to 4-year-old students from New World Kindergarten.

October 2014 beijingkids

BIBS Celebrates Mid-Autumn Festival For the Mid-Autumn Festival, students at Beanstalk International Bilingual School made mooncakes, paper lanterns, and clay rabbits. They also lit candles to set afloat in the â&#x20AC;&#x153;wishing riverâ&#x20AC;? at the new BIBS Shunyi campus swimming pool.

Mid-Autumn Festival at Eduwings On September 5, students from Eduwings Kindergarten kids made their own mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival.

photos: courtesy of Bibs and eduwings

beijingkids 2014 October

THE CIRCUIT CISB Students Take Hutong Field Trip On August 29, the Canadian International School of Beijing welcomed students into the IB Diploma Programme with a day in the hutongs near Beixinqiao. Activities included a scavenger hunt, improv games, a dumpling-making class followed by a Chinese lunch, and an intro the IBDP program.

photos: courtesy of Cisb and bcis

BCIS Students Tour New ECC Recently, Grade 2 students from Beijing City International School visited the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s brand-new Early Childhood Center for a tour and to read with the Pre-Kindergarten children.

October 2014 beijingkids

Family Dining Ice Cream Vivi Dolce Based at Central Park, Vivi Dolce is a brand of quality handmade gelato and sorbet that shares the same space as CC Sweets. Its products are also available at Cup One in Wangjing. 1) Unit 109, Bldg. 11, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmen Waidajie, Chaoyang District (6533 6973, vividolcegelato@gmail.com, WeChat: vividolce) 2) Daily 9am-11pm. Cup One: Unit 0203, 2/F, Bldg D, Kirin Place, 11 Fu’anxi Lu, Chaoyang District (5363 0599, vividolcegelato@gmail.com, WeChat: vividolce)1) 朝阳区, 朝阳门外大街6号新城国际11号楼109商铺 2) 朝阳区, 阜安西路11号麒麟社D楼2层0203室

the restaurant. Shisha is also available. Daily 10am-3am. 1 Ritan Lu (on the north side of Ritan Hotel), Chaoyang District (8563 5765, dacha.asia@mail.ru) www.dacha.asia别墅西餐厅朝阳区, 日坛路1号（日坛宾馆北侧)

Family Health Dental Services

Italian Loft Eatalicious Italian chain featuring high-quality Italian food for fair prices. Hearty mozzarella salads, pumpkin soups, fresh pizzas, and robust baked lasagnas abound. Most food items are in the 35-80 RMB range. 1) Daily 10.30am-11pm. Unit 101, Bldg A1, ULO Park, 605 Wangjing Yuan, Guangshun Nandajie, Chaoyang District (8870 0868, shunyi@eatalicious.com) 2) Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 8.30am-10.30pm. Shop 710, Pinnacle Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (8046 1565, shunyi@ eatalicious.com) 3) 10am-11pm. D10-6 Tianli Street, Fuli City, Chaoyang District (5862 1145, 5862 1745, 189 1065 3021, shunyi@ eatalicious.com) www.eatalicious.com1) 朝阳区, 广顺南大街望京园605号楼悠乐汇A1座101室 2) 顺义区, 天竺裕翔路99号荣祥广场710店铺 3) 朝阳区, 双井富力城天力街D10-6

Japanese Haru Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar Watch and listen to your food as it sizzles and cooks to your preference. Haru impresses with sleek decor and the quality of the food. Kids will be entertained by the chefs flaming hot plates, and the large portion servings mean this is a great place to spend a few extra kuai on a family night out. 1) Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-10pm. 902 Pinnacle Plaza, Jingshun Lu, Shunyi District (8046 5112) 2) Unit N430, 3/F, Sanlitun Village North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District (6415 2112)尚水长廊铁板烧餐厅 1) 顺义区, 天竺镇开发区荣祥广场902 2) 朝阳区, 三里屯路11号院（Village北区）能号楼三层N4-30单元

Russian

Dacha Located near Ritan Park, Dacha serves features truly global cuisine, from sushi to pizza. Try Russian classics like borscht and traditional beet salad, or opt for European standards such as pasta Carbonara and rack of lamb. Also provided is Chinese cuisine. Most entrees range from RMB 45100, while appetizers and salads are in the RMB 20-60 range. The restaurant caters to families with a smoke-free environment and kids’ playroom with toys. Every Sunday, there’s a drawing master-class for kids. Functions such as family holidays, kids parties and holidays with prizes are held at

beijingkids 2014 October

Arrail Dental Clinic Offers the full spectrum of non-surgical dentistry. All dentists speak English and some have overseas training. The Haidian branch specializes in cosmetic dentistry and implants. A basic consultation costs RMB 100 (first-time registration including a check-up and consultation costs RMB 100). 1) Mon-Thu 9am-6pm, Fri-Sun 9am-5.30pm. Rm 201, The Exchange-Beijing, B118 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (6567 5670) 2) Mon-Thu 9am-5.30pm, Fri-Sun 9am-5pm. 1/F, Somerset Fortune Garden, 46 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8440 1926/7/8) 3) Mon-Thu 9am-5.30pm. Rm 308, Raycom Infotech Park, Tower A, 2 Kexueyuan Nanlu, Haidian District (8286 1956, 24hr: 139 1100 1367) 4) Mon-Thu 9am-5pm, Fri-Sun 9am-5pm. Rm A205, CITIC Bldg, 19 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6500 6472/3) www.arrail-dental.com 瑞尔齿科 1) 朝阳区, 建国路乙118号京汇大厦 201室 2) 朝阳区, 亮马桥路46号盛捷福景苑1层 3) 海淀区, 科学院南路2号融科资讯中心A座308 室 4) 朝阳区, 建国门外大街19号国际大厦A205

Clinics & Hospitals Amcare Women’s & Children’s Hospital Amcare Women’s and Children’s hospital provides families international medical services in Chinese cultural background. Services include obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, family planning, and psychological consulting. The new 6,000 sqm Yayuncun branch has 50 wards, private gynecological clinic and a neonatal intensive care unit. 1) Daily 24 hours. Bldg 5 Anhui Beili Yiyuan, Chaoyang District. (400 100 0016, contact@ amcare.com.cn); 2) Daily 8am-4.30pm. 9 Fangyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6434 2399 24hr hotline, 800 610 6200, contact@amcare. com.cn); 3) 9-9 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang District. (contact@amcare.com.cn) www. amcare.com.cn 北京美中宜和妇儿医院, 1) 朝阳区朝阳区安慧北里逸园5号楼; 2) 朝阳区芳园西路9号; 3) 朝阳区将台西路9-9号 Beijing 21st Century Hospital Beijing 21st Century Hospital is a comprehensive healthcare facility, providing health screening services, medical care and health management for the international community in Beijing. This hospital’s team of internationally experienced physicians and nurses provides world-class medical care in a comfortable, clean and quiet setting. The hospital uses a Japanese management style, modern medical equipment and supporting electronic data systems to continuously improve quality and efficiency of health care services. Beijing 21st Century Hospital also works closely with different hospitals and their medical specialists in China and Japan, providing tele-medicine and international medical transfer. Direct billing with international insurers is provided.

Languages spoken: English, Japanese, Korean, German, Chinese. Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm; 24-hr house call service. 1-2/F, 21st Century Plaza, A40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8444 6168 (English/ Chinese), 8444 6169 (Japanese/Korean)) http://www.21-hospital.com 朝阳区亮马桥路甲40号21世纪大厦1-2楼 Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic As a satellite clinic of renowned Beijing New Century International Children’s Hospital, Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic has a strong team of experienced pediatricians and nurses from China and overseas. Multilingual services are offered on a 24hr basis, consultations 9am-9pm. Harmony Business Center, Liyuan Street, Tianzhu Zhen, Shunyi District. (6456 2599) www.ncich.com.cn 北京新世纪荣和儿科门诊部, 顺义区天竺镇丽苑街荣和商业中心 Beijing New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital (NCWCH) With stateof-the-art park side facility, New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital (NCWCH) is established to operate with international standards. Backed by strong ties to Beijing Children’s Hospital and Beijing Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, the experienced and friendly medical staff of NCWCH provide fi¬rst-class gynecology, obstetrics, pediatric, NICU and urgent care services for women and children (0-18 years old).51 Wangjing Beilu (Wanghu Park south gate), Chaoyang District (5178 3366) www.ncich.com.cn北京新世纪妇儿医院朝阳区, 朝阳区望京北路51号院（望湖公园东门南） Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) offers international-standard care to thousands of Beijing’s expatriate and Chinese families. BJU features an international team of doctors from more than 20 countries and since 2005, it has been consistently reaccredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Since 1997, BJU’s multilingual staff has provided professional expertise with heartfelt care. The hospital and clinics offer a full range of medical services. In addition to departments of family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and dentistry, BJU has attracted top medical professionals in cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, dermatology, psychological health, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, integrative medicine, ophthalmology and ENT. 1) Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm. 24-hour emergency care. 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (4008-919191 (24hr Service Center)) 2) United Family Financial Street Clinic, 109 Taipingqiao Avenue, Xicheng District (4008919191 (24hr Service Center)) www.ufh.com. cn北京和睦家医院 1) 朝阳区, 将台路2号 2) 西城区, 和睦家复兴门诊所, 太平桥大街109号 Beijing United Family Rehabilitation Hospital Beijing United Family Hospital’s newest facility offers everything from physical and occupational therapy to pediatric, neurological, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and TCM in a state-of-the-art facility featuring hydrotherapy facilities, an ICU, individual therapy rooms, hyperbaric and atmospheric oxygen chambers and an international team of specialists. 24 Hours. 1 Yaojiayuan Bei Erlu (South gate of Dongfeng Park, northwest corner of Yaojiayuan North 2nd Road and Qingnian North Road intersection), Chaoyang District (4008-919191 (24hr Service Center), bju.rehab@ufh.com.cn) beijing.ufh.com.cn/ en/locations/rehabilitation-hospital/北京和睦家康复医院朝阳区, 朝阳区姚家园北二路1号（姚家园北二路与青年北路交叉口西北角，东风公园南门） Hong Kong International Medical Clinic, Beijing Beijing’s first joint-venture medical organization operates according to international standards, has a high-quality international administration system, highlevel medical staff, and warm service. A 24hr helpline offers medical support in English, Chinese and Japanese, and other languages

on request. A basic consultation costs RMB 680. Direct billing with over 50 international insurers. Daily 9am-9pm (after 9pm nurse on duty). 9/F, office tower of the Swissôtel, 2 Chaoyangmen Beidajie, Dongcheng District (65532288 ext 2345/6/7, 6553 9752) www. hkclinic.com北京港澳国际医务诊所东城区, 北京港澳国际医务诊所，朝阳门北大街2号港澳中心瑞士酒店办公楼9层 International Medical Center (IMC) IMC was the first expatriate medical institution in Beijing. A multilingual clinic with a full range of medical services including Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Endoscopy and Surgery & Orthopedics. Other services include Dental Services, TCM & Acupuncture, Physiotherapy and Psychological services. The department of Emergency Care at IMC is open 24/7 with all board certified foreign doctors on site. Daily 24hrs. S106, S111 Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmahe Lu, Chaoyang District. (6465 1561/2/3, 6465 1384/28, marketing@ imcclinics.com) http://www.imcclinics.com/ 北京国际医疗中心, 朝阳区亮马桥路50号燕莎中心写字楼1层S106 International SOS Beijing Clinic One of the world’s leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance company with 66% of the world’s Fortune 500 companies choosing International SOS. Since 1989, International SOS has led internationalstandard medical care in China, with a 24/7 alarm center hotline, a dedicated air ambulance, four international quality clinics staffed with expat and foreign doctors and 200+ network of medical service partners. International SOS Beijing clinic is the city’s leading family practice and specialist services clinic, represented by 15 nationalities, including English, French, Japanese, German, Spanish, Korean and Chinese-speaking doctors. Offers 24/7 Emergency Services, GP, Pediatrics, Gynecology, specialists, Pharmacy, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Dentistry and Orthodontics, Optometry. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building, 16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District (Clinic: 6462 9112, 24hr hotline 6462 9100, china.inquiries@internationalsos.com) www. clinicsinchina.com北京国际救援中心朝阳区, 新源里16号琨莎中心一座105室 OASIS International Hospital OASIS is a full-service private hospital. Their international medical team provides patientcentered care in a modern facility designed for comfort, safety and privacy. OASIS offers attentive service in a soothing environment and expert medicine backed by leading technology, including the most advanced MRI and CT scans available from a private hospital in China. The hospital currently provides services in family medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, general surgery, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and dentistry. Direct billing is available for many insurance providers. Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm (some clinics open from 8.30am-12.30pm), daily 24hrs emergency care. 9 Jiuxianqiao Beilu, Chaoyang District (400 UR OASIS (876 2747)) www.oasishealth.cn明德医院朝阳区, 酒仙桥北路9号 United Family CBD Clinic The United Family CBD Clinic is United Family Healthcare’s (UFH’s) sixth satellite clinic in Beijing and will be staffed by bilingual doctors and nurses who are committed to providing the high-quality, international-standard care unique to United Family. Mon-Sat 9.30am6.30pm. Suite 3017, Bldg AB, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District (4008919191 (24hr Service Center)) www.ufh.com. cn和睦家朝外诊所朝阳区, 朝阳门外大街6号万通中心AB座2层3017室 United Family Jianguomen Health and Wellness Center United Family Jianguomen Health and Wellness Center is a satellite clinic of BJU located in the St. Regis complex in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District. The clinic makes high-quality healthcare accessible to CBD residents and employees. It

DIRECTORIES offers integrative medicine, family counseling services, and provides health checkups for immigration purposes. Mon-Fri 8.30am12pm,1pm-3.30pm. B1/F, The St. Regis Residence, St. Regis Hotel, 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (4008-919191 (24hr Service Center)) www.ufh.com.cn和睦家建国门保健中心朝阳区, 建国门外大街21号北京国际俱乐部饭店公寓楼地下1层 United Family Liangma Clinic United Family Liangma Clinic serves Beijing’s diplomatic area, providing internationallyaccredited Family Medicine services. A multinational clinic staff of experienced doctors and bilingual nurses will ensure that you and your family receive the highest quality medical care available. Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm. 2/F, Grand Summit, 19 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang District (4008919191 (24hr Service Center )) www.ufh. com.cn和睦家亮马诊所朝阳区, 东方东路19号1 号楼会所27号（外交人员公寓B区官舍16号） United Family New Hope Center The United Family New Hope Center is a LEEDcertified satellite clinic of Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) housing BJU’s pioneering New Hope Oncology Center, Psychological Health Center, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services.The United Family New Hope Oncology Center offers a unique new concept in international-standard cancer treatment. Our Oncology services provide patients with the most up-to-date treatment options from a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, specialist physicians, and healthcare professionals. Mon-Fri 9am5pm. 9-11 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang District (4008-919191 (24hr Service Center)) www. ufh.com.cn和睦家启望中心朝阳区, 朝阳区将台西路9－11 United Family Shunyi Clinic United Family Shunyi Clinic serves Beijing’s suburban area and international school district with internationally-accredited family medicine, pediatrics, rehabilitation (physical therapy), psychological counseling, Traditional Chinese Medicine, laboratory, and pharmacy services. A multinational clinic staff of experienced doctors and bilingual nurses will ensure that you and your family receive the highest quality medical care available. The Shunyi Clinic is a satellite facility of BJU. Like other BJU satellite facilities, the Shunyi Clinic strictly adheres to Joint Commission International (JCI) and international infection control standards. Mon-Thu 9.30am-7.30pm, Fri-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm. Unit 806, Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District (4008-919191 (24hr Service Center)) www.ufh.com.cn和睦家顺义诊所顺义区, 天竺开发区荣祥广场806号

Vista Medical Center Medical services including family and internal medicine, OB/ GYN, pediatrics, dentistry, ophthalmology, dermatology, ENT, TCM, physiotherapy, psychiatry, imaging laboratory and pharmacy service. Also offers pre- and postnatal care and infant health check-ups. English-speaking staff onsite 24hrs a day. A consultation with a GP costs RMB 660. Direct billing with more than 40 international insurance providers. Daily 24hrs. 3/F, Kerry Centre, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (8529 6618, fax 8529 6615, vista@vista-china.net) www.vistachina.net

IMC Dental Clinic IMC-Beijing has the longest history of expatriate dental service in Beijing, state of the art equipment, and certified well-trained dentists. Services include: cleaning, filling, fluoride treatment, implants, canal therapy, orthodontics, crowns and bridges, tooth extraction, Invisalign, periodontics, space maintainers, and X-ray. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. S111, Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmahe Lu, Chaoyang District (6465 1384, 6465 1328, marketing@imcclinics.com) http://www.imcclinics.com北京国际医疗中心牙科诊所朝阳区, 亮马桥路50号燕莎中心写字楼1层S111

Other Health Services Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Melissa Rodriguez is a licensed, board-certified naturopathic doctor from Canada. She uses homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutrition, and other natural therapies to help patients prevent illness and treat disease. She also writes the monthly Natural Path column in beijingkids magazine.Rm S106, International Medical Center-Beijing, Lufthansa Center Office Building, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (6465 1561) www.drmelissarodriguez. com朝阳区, 朝阳区亮马桥路50号燕莎中心写字楼1层S106

Family Life Community Groups & Organizations STARAfood Founded in 2013 by foodies, friends, and moms Sara Persson and Stacey Savant, STARAfood aims to impart a love of healthy, simple, home-cooked food to expats. It all started with a food blog and jaunts to hole-in-the-wall restaurants around Beijing. After friends started asking them for the Chinese recipes they were replicating at home, the duo decided to offer cooking classes out of Savant’s house in Shunyi. Section C, Yosemite Villa, 4 Yuyang Lu, Baixinzhuang, Houshayu, Shunyi District (186 1112 1184 (Sara), 186 1170 1730 (Stacey), starafood@gmail.com) www.starafood. blogspot.com顺义区, 后沙峪镇白辛庄榆阳路4 号优山美地 C区

Financial Services & Insurance Bluestar AMG Bluestar AMG helps expats plan their financial futures. With over 10 years’ experience across six countries in Asia, the company specializes in helping individuals and families with pensions, education funds, investments, insurance, and more using plain English.16/F, Tower A, Gemdale Plaza, 91 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5920 8238, mark.matlaszek@bluestar-amg.com) www. bluestar-amg.com朝阳区, 建国路91号金地 A座16层 Premium Finance Group Premium Finance Group is an investment advice and insurance brokerage based in Beijing and Shanghai. The company assists both the expat and Chinese communities with personal financial planning and wealth management. Areas include health and life insurance for families, saving plans for retirement and education funds, international property, wills and trusts, and more. Union Pay accepted.Rm 808, Bldg 17, Jianwai SOHO, Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (5869 3204, william. frisby@premiumfinance-group.com) www. premiumfinance-group.com 朝阳区, 东三环中路建外SOHO 17号楼80

Hair & Beauty Salons MyStudio A full service beauty salon offering hair removal via sugaring (instead of waxing) to safely and less painfully remove hair. Haircuts go for about RMB 300 for women and a full leg wax is similarly priced. Daily 10am-8.30pm. Bldg 811, Zone 8, Jinsong,

October 2014 beijingkids

Chaoyang District (6771 4375, 137 0125 3148)朝阳区, 劲松八区811号楼

Family Travel Hotels, Hostels and Resorts Commune by the Great Wall Surrounded by verdant mountains and the Shuiguan Great Wall, the Commune blends natural beauty with modern art and architecture – twelve leading Asian artists designed the 42 villas. While eleven villas – with fanciful names like “Bamboo Wall” – may only be rented in full, 190 rooms and suites are also available. Before a day of hiking, parents can drop off their kids at the Commune of the Children, which offers full- and half-day programs featuring swimming, storytelling, crafts and more (RMB 150-290). Rooms RMB 2,340-3,200; villas RMB 12,500-23,380.Exit 53 (Shuiguan Great Wall) on the Jingzhang Expressway, Yanqing County (8118 1888, 400 815 9888, reservation@commune.com.cn) www.communebythegreatwall.com长城脚下的公社延庆县, 京藏高速公路53号水关长城出口

of age. Experienced therapists work with children, helping a wide range of issues - from communication and articulation to handwriting to balance and coordination. Eliott’s Corner is a division of Olivia’s Place, Shanghai’s premier pediatric therapy clinic. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Rm 19-05, Block 2, Condo 360, 10 Dongsihuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (6461 6283, jac@oliviasplace.org) www. oliviasplace.org 胡宝小屋朝阳区, 东四环北路10号瞰都国际2号楼19－05室 (东风北桥东北角） The Edge (Beijing) Now in mainland China, The Edge is Hong Kong’s premier educational counseling service. The company provides students and families with insider knowledge of the overseas college and boarding school admissions process, as well as customized and comprehensive educational services. Room 708, Anlian Plaza, No. 38 North Road East Third Ring Chaoyang District (6596 0176) 东三环北路38号安联大厦708,

Travel Agencies Beijing by Heart Self-confessed “Chinese history nerds” Nelly Alix and Lucile Dinh co-founded Beijing by Heart, a boutique tour group operating in English and French. Signature history walks include the Opium War tour, Tartar City tour, writers’ tour, and the Forbidden City according to the life of Puyi. Custom one-on-one tours are also available. RMB 300 per person for history walks. (info@ beijingbyheart.com) www.beijingbyheart.com Newman Tours Newman Tours offers interactive group and private walking tours that explore the hidden history of Beijing. Tours include the Forbidden City Tour, the Hutong Adventure Tour, and the Beijing Ghost Tour. (138 1777 0229, info@newmantours. com) www.newmantours.com

FUN STUFF Art Schools Art Bug Singaporean art center ArtBug aims to make art accessible for everyone, with programs catering to children from ages 2-12. ArtBug focuses on nurturing a child’s creativity, communication skills, and self-confidence through the arts. The center offers courses in a wide variety of subjects, including drawing, sculpture, photography, speech and drama, and performance arts. 1) Rm 753, Tower A, Chaowai SOHO (north of Central Park), 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District (5900 0270) 2) Rm 102, Unit 4, Bldg 3, Upper East Side, Chaoyang District (5947 2275) www.artbug. com.cn1) 朝阳区, 朝阳区朝外大街乙6号朝外 SOHO写字楼A座753 （新城国际北侧） 2) 朝阳区, 阳光上东3号楼4单元102

Theme Parks Happy Valley Amusement Park Beijing’s best amusement park sprawls out across a square kilometer of land outside the East Fourth Ring Road and offers 40 rides, an IMAX theater, more than 100 games and seven cinemas. Throughout October, the park will host Halloween-themed exhibits and activities. RMB 160 (April 1-Nov 14); RMB 120 (Nov 15March 31). Half price for kids 1.2-1.4m, free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 8.30am-10pm. Wuji Beilu, Dongsihuan Lu, Chaoyang District (6738 9898 ext 0, 6205 0088, happyvalley@bjoct. com) http://bj.happyvalley.com.cn/park/北京欢乐谷朝阳区, 东四环路小武基北路

Schools Educational Services Eliott’s Corner A therapy center, offering speech therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy for children from 0-12 years

beijingkids 2014 October

Capstone Founded in 2003 in Hong Kong by Ronald Po, Capstone focuses on critical thinking and leadership education. As stated on its website, the goal of the organization is to maximize students’ chances for admission into top university, develop their leadership and analysis skills, and foster a sense of social responsibility. Capstone’s Beijing staff includes graduates from MIT, Stanford, Cornell, UChicago, Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. 1) Rm N501, Kerry Center, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (, beijing@ capstoneprep.com) 2) D4112, Gahood Villa, 5 Yuyang Lu, Shunyi District (, beijing@ capstoneprep.com) www.capstoneprep.com 1) 朝阳区, 光华路1号北京嘉里中心N501室 2) 顺义区, 瑜阳璐5号嘉浩别墅4112号

Schools 3e International School Founded in 2005, 3e International School has grown into an institution of over 200 students from Nursery to Grade 4. The school aims to develop critical thinkers through a speciallydeveloped, research-based curriculum. Classes are taught in English and Chinese with half of the day devoted to each language. Within this inquiry-based program, a balance of child-initiated and teacherdirected activity is provided to support children’s development across the entire curriculum. Age range: 2-10. Tuition fees (2014-2015 academic year): RMB 108,300 (Half-day Nursery); RMB 113,300 (Full-day Nursery); RMB 149,400 (Pre-K); RMB 153,500 (Kindergarten); RMB 164,500 (Grades 1-4)9-1 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang District (6437 3344 ext 100, admissions@3einternationalschool. org) www.3einternationalschool.org 3e国际学校朝阳区, 将台西路9-1号 Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) Over the past 20 years, BIBS has grown from one campus to five (including a new pre K-12 campus in Shunyi) and from a kindergarten-only curriculum to a complete pre-K-12 program. Age range: 2-18. Tuition fees (2012-2013 academic year): 1) 21st Century Kindergarten: RMB 1,600 (application fee), RMB 78,000/year (half day), 100,000/ year (full day); 2) Wanda Kindergarten: RMB 1,200 (application fee); RMB 55,000/year (full day); 3) Primary School: RMB 1,600

(application fee), RMB 30,000 (capital levy fee); RMB 100,000/year (reception class); RMB 135,000/year (Grades 1-6); 4) Senior School: RMB 1,600 (application fee), RMB 30,000 (capital levy fee), RMB 135,000/ year (Grades 7-12) 1) Primary School: Area 2, Upper East Side, 6 Dongsihuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (5130 7951, 21s Century Kindergarten: bikoffice@bibs.com. cn, Primary School: office@bibs.com.cn, Wanda Kindergarten: bbkoffice@bibs.com. cn, Senior School: senioroffice@bibs.com.cn) 2) 21st Century Kindergarten: 1/F, Bldg B, 40 Liangmaq Qiao Lu, Chaoyang District (6466 9255, 21s Century Kindergarten: bikoffice@ bibs.com.cn, Primary School: office@bibs. com.cn, Wanda Kindergarten: bbkoffice@ bibs.com.cn, Senior School: senioroffice@ bibs.com.cn) 3) Senior School: 38 Nan Shiliju, Chaoyang District (8456 6019, 21s Century Kindergarten: bikoffice@bibs.com. cn, Primary School: office@bibs.com.cn, Wanda Kindergarten: bbkoffice@bibs.com. cn, Senior School: senioroffice@bibs.com. cn) 4) Wanda Kindergarten: Bldg 7, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5960 3887, 21s Century Kindergarten: bikoffice@ bibs.com.cn, Primary School: office@bibs. com.cn, Wanda Kindergarten: bbkoffice@ bibs.com.cn, Senior School: senioroffice@ bibs.com.cn) 5) Shunyi Campus: 15 Liyuan Jie, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (6456 0618, 21s Century Kindergarten: bikoffice@bibs.com.cn, Primary School: office@bibs.com.cn, Wanda Kindergarten: bbkoffice@bibs.com.cn, Senior School: senioroffice@bibs.com.cn) www.bibs. com.cn青苗国际双语学校 1) 朝阳区, 东四环北路6号阳光上东二区 2) 朝阳区, 亮马桥路40 号B座1层 3) 朝阳区, 南十里居38号 4) 朝阳区, 建国路93号万达广场7号楼 5) 顺义区, 天竺镇丽苑街15号

AnRic Little Montessori Room (AnRic LMR) AnRic LMR is a full international member school of the American Montessori Society. The multicultural classroom aims to help children develop into self-directed learners, flexible thinkers, creative problem solvers, empathetic citizens and resilient individuals. The school offers a fully bilingual curriculum so that children are immersed in an environment where both English and Chinese are consistently used all day. Children learn in a warm, close-knit environment maintained by a low student to teacher ratio. Special needs children are welcome and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Age range: 1.5–6 years 2014-2015 Tuition Fees: RMB78,800/year (half-day), RMB 92,800/ year (full day)Global Trade Mansion, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6591 8169, admissions@anricedu.com) www.anricedu. com安杨蒙台梭利小屋朝阳区, 光华路9号安杨蒙台梭利小屋 Beijing BISS International School (BISS) With a diverse student body, Beijing BISS International School’s mission is to foster international relationships to educate and empower students to attain personal excellence and positively impact the world. BISS offers the IB Diploma Program, serves as an SAT Test Center, caters to children with learning needs, and offers counseling, student enrichment programs, university searches, and transitional education services to third-culture kids and their

parents. Age range: 3-17. Tuition fees (2012-2013 Academic Year): RMB 18,00023,000 (refundable deposit); RMB 3,800 (registration); RMB 99,000 (Kindergarten); RMB 146,400-177,500 (Grades 1-12); RMB 20,000 (ESOL) Bldg 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili, Chaoyang District. (6443 3151, admissions@ biss.com.cn) www.biss.com.cn 北京BISS国际学校, 朝阳区安贞西里四区17号楼 Beijing City International School (BCIS) The school motto of BCIS is “Empowering and inspiring throughchallenge and compassion.” This non-profit, independent co-educational day school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Associationof Schools and Colleges (WASC). BCIS offers an international curriculum for Nursery through Grade 12 students under the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School system and isauthorized to teach all three IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma). The campus culture is characterized by a warm and inclusive nature and an emphasis on personalized rigorousacademic inquiry through the extensive use of information technology in the classroom. Age range: 3-18. Tuition fees (2012-2013 Academic Year): RMB 2,000 (registration fee); RMB 5,000 (new student fee); RMB 132,600 (Nursery); RMB 144,500 (Pre-K); RMB 154,000 (Kindergarten); RMB 186,300 (Grade 1-2); RMB 188,700 (Grade 3-5); RMB 195,300 (Grade 6-8); RMB 199,100 (Grade 9-10); RMB 206,600 (Grade 11-12)77 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu, Chaoyang District (8771 7171, admissions@bcis.cn) www.bcis.cn北京乐成国际学校朝阳区, 百子湾南二路77号 Beijing Huijia Private (IB) School Beijing Huijia Private (IB) School is comprised of a kindergarten, primary school, junior high school and senior high school. It is a day and boarding school where Chinese and foreign students study together, and it is the first member school of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in China that admits Chinese students. With a mix of Chinese and foreign students (from 15 countries) and more than 500 Chinese and foreign teachers and staff, it is one of the largest private schools in Beijing. Age range: 3-18. Tuition fees (2013-2014 Academic Year): RMB 1,000 (application fee); RMB 20,000 (deposit); RMB 146,600/year (Grade 1-2); RMB 148,200/year (Grade 3-4); RMB 152,500/year (Grade 5-6) 157 Changping Lu, Changping District. (400 889 1993, admissions@huijiaedu.org) www.huijiaedu. org 北京汇佳私立学校, 昌平区昌平路157号 Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) Opened in September 2006, CISB offers a Montessori Nursery and PreKindergarten program, as well as a Canadianstyle curriculum for K-12 students. CISB is a three-program IB World School: IB Primary Years Program, IB Middle Years Program and the IB Diploma Program. The student body currently represents over 60 nationalities and has the capacity for 1400 students. Age range: 18 months to 18 years. Tuition fees (2013-2014 Academic Year): RMB1,800 (Application Fee); RMB76,600 (Half-Day Montessori Nursery); RMB121,800 (PreKindergarten & Kindergarten); RMB158,800 (Grade 1-5); RMB160,400 (Grade 6-8); RMB179,800 (Grade 9-12)38 Liangma Qiao Lu, Chaoyang District (6465 7788, admissions@cis-beijing.com) www.cisb.com. cn北京加拿大国际学校朝阳区, 亮马桥路38号 Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) Dulwich College first opened its doors to students in Beijing in August of 2005. Since then, the school has grown to include approximately 1,400 students. Ages: 12 months – 18 years. Application Fee: RMB 2000 – non-refundable; Placement Deposit: RMB 18,000 – refundable subject to terms and conditions; Early Years: RMB 66,200-168,000; Grades 1-12: RMB 168,000-219,200 1) Legend Garden Campus and Legend Early Years Campus: Legend Garden Villas, 89 Capital Airport Road, Shunyi

DIRECTORIES

October 2014 beijingkids

District (6454 9000, info@dulwich-beijing. cn) 2) Beijing Riviera Campus: 1 Xiangjiang Beilu, Jingshun Lu, Chaoyang District (8450 7676, info@dulwich-beijing.cn) www.dulwichbeijing.cn北京德威英国国际学校 1) 顺义区, 机场路89号丽京花园 2) 朝阳区, 京顺路香江北路1号香江花园 Eduwings Kindergarten The culmination of two former schools, Der Kingergarten and Jin Yi Kingergarten, Eduwings Kindergarten is divided into English/Chinese and German departments that are each split into three age groups (2-3, 3-4, 5-6 years) and one infant group (2 years and under). All of the lead and language teachers are native-speakers and educate children individually following the school’s philosophy: “Every child needs to have roots and wings – roots to know where they are from and wings to explore the world.” Age range: 2-6 (infant group for under 2 years old). Tuition fees (2010-2011 Academic Year): RMB 52,000 for half day program; RMB 72,000 for full day program (afternoon activities and lunch included in the tuition fee). Merlin Champagne Town Clubhouse, 6 Liyuan Jie, Tianzhu, Shunyi District. (6450 8384, mariaseemel.eduwings@ gmail.com) www.eduwingskids.com 金翼德懿幼儿园, 顺义区天竺镇丽苑街6号美林香槟小镇俱乐部 Etonkids Bilingual Kindergartens Tuition fees (2010-2011 Academic Year):Monthly payment plan - Morning session (8.3011.30am) RMB 6,250; Full-day session (8.30am-4.30pm) RMB 8,500; Yearly payment plan - Morning session (8.30-11.30am) RMB 62,500; Full-day session (8.30am-4.30pm) RMB 85,000 1) Central Park Campus: Bldg 19, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6533 6995, Peking House Campus: xuyan@etonkids.com or zhoudan@ etonkids.com, Central Park Campus: cpadmin@etonkids.com, Palm Springs Campus: psadmin@etonkids.com, Midtown Campus: gcadmin@etonkids.com); 2) Midtown Campus: Bldg 21, Guangqujia Yuan, Guangqumen Waidajie, Chongwen District. (6749 5008, Peking House Campus: xuyan@ etonkids.com or zhoudan@etonkids.com, Central Park Campus: cpadmin@etonkids. com, Palm Springs Campus: psadmin@ etonkids.com, Midtown Campus: gcadmin@ etonkids.com); 3) Palm Springs Campus: Palm Springs International Apartments, 8 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6539 5967, Peking House Campus: xuyan@etonkids.com or zhoudan@etonkids. com, Central Park Campus: cpadmin@ etonkids.com, Palm Springs Campus: psadmin@etonkids.com, Midtown Campus: gcadmin@etonkids.com); 4) Peking House Campus: 20 Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang District. (5870 6778/9, Peking House Campus: xuyan@etonkids.com or zhoudan@etonkids. com, Central Park Campus: cpadmin@ etonkids.com, Palm Springs Campus: psadmin@etonkids.com, Midtown Campus: gcadmin@etonkids.com) www.etonkids.com 伊顿双语幼儿园, 1) 朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号新城国际19号楼; 2) 崇文区广渠门外大街广渠家园21号楼; 3) 朝阳区朝阳公园南路8号棕榈泉国际公寓; 4) 朝阳区西大望路20号 Harrow International School Beijing Harrow Beijing follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales, culminating in the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE and IGCSE’s), and A Levels. Its curriculum is fully accredited by all British Examination Authorities and it is an accredited SAT center. Age Range: 9 weeks18. Harrow Beijing tuition fees for 2014-2015 Academic Year: Pre-School (half day): RMB 77,400. Pre-School (full day): RMB 141,300. Nursery: RMB 141,300 ; Reception: RMB 161,500. Year 1: RMB 191,800 ; Year 2: RMB 201,900. Years 3-5: RMB 203,900. Years 6-8: RMB 222,200. Years 9 -11: RMB 236,200. Years 12-13: RMB 249,600287 Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang County, Chaoyang District (6444 8900, enquiries@harrowbeijing. cn) www.harrowbeijing.cn北京哈罗英国学校朝阳区, 崔各庄乡何各庄村287号

beijingkids 2014 October

The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China (RDFZ) Founded in 1950, the education philosophy of RDFZ is to respect individuality and develop the students’ personal development. Led by Liu Pengzhi, RDFZ boasts more than 50 international faculty members and over 200 international students. Students can choose to study Mandarin as part of the Chinese language program or take classes with regular middle and high school students. Department of International Students, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, 37 Zhongguancun Dajie, Haidian District. (6251 3962, guojibu3962@sina. com) www.rdfz.cn 中国人民大学附属中学（简称人大附中）, 海淀区中关村大街37号人大附中国际部 Hope International School (HIS) Founded in 2012, this faith-based school follows the American curriculum and offers over seven AP courses. HIS is also a testing center for the PSAT, ACT and AP exams. All graduates receive an American high school diploma; all have been accepted into university and most on scholarships. 8am-5pm. Crab Island, Exhibition Hall 4, 1, Xiedao Lu, Chaoyang District (156 1102 0229, admissions@ hopeintlschool.org) www.hopeintlschool.org 朝阳区蟹岛路蟹岛4号展馆

Tsinghua International School (THIS) Tsinghua International School students follow an American Curriculum program in a nurturing atmosphere. Tsinghua International School located on Tsinghua University campus, allowing students access to the university’s extensive resources and facilities, including libraries, computer labs, gymnasiums, sports fields, dance and art studios, a swimming pool, fitness center and outdoor experiential education center. Accepts students Grades 1 to 12 (ages 6-18). Grades 1-5: 89,000 RMB per year, Grades 6-12: 99,000 RMB per yearInside Tsinghua High School Campus, Zhongguancun Beilu (northwest of Tsinghua University), Haidian District (6279 7000, 6277 1477, this@mail. tsinghua.edu.cn) www.this.edu.cn清华大学附属中学国际部海淀区, 中关村北路清华大学西北侧清华中学校园之内 House of Knowledge International Kindergarten (HoK) House of Knowledge (HoK) boasts a unique curriculum that includes aspects of Montessori and Reggio Emilia, with special emphasis placed on the latter approach. Students are treated as competent learners with boundless potential. With this in mind, the curriculum helps kids acquire critical thinking and collaboration skills by teaching them how to “learn to learn” in a multilingual environment (English, German, Chinese). Age range: 10 months to 6 years. Tuition fees (2013-2014 Academic Year): RMB 2,000 (registration fee); RMB 5,000-15,000 (refundable deposit based on withdrawal policy); RMB 66,780-136,680 (school fees based on choice of program). 1) Victoria Gardens Campus: 15 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6538 2624, info@hokschools.com) 2) Quanfa Campus: North gate of Quanfa compound, 15 Maquanying, Chaoyang District (6431 8452, info@hokschools.com) www.hokschools.com 好思之家国际幼儿园 1) 朝阳区, 朝阳公园西路 15号维多利亚花园公寓 2) 朝阳区, 马泉营15号

泉发花园北门 Ivy MI Kindergarten Ivy MI Kindergarten offers a quality Chinese-focused program designed to meet the needs of children who will attend Chinese elementary schools. It is designed for Chinese families who would like their children to experience a curriculum inspired by the Harvard-based Multiple Intelligences theory. This program offers a top-notch education for children with an international bent. RMB 33,600 per year (Lijing Campus)RMB 36,998 per year (Tianshi Campus) 1) Lijing Campus, 28 Shilipu Beilu, Chaoyang District (8446 4189, Info-LJ@ ivyschools.com, Info-TS@ivyschools.com) 2) Tianshi Campus, 52 Beiyuan Lu, Tongzhou District (8159 6406/7, Info-LJ@ivyschools. com, Info-TS@ivyschools.com) http://www. ivyschools.com 艾毅多元智能幼儿园 1) 朝阳区, 十里堡北路28号 2) 通州区, 北苑路52号 Keystone Academy Keystone Academy will open in Shunyi District in the fall of 2014. Keystone promises to be a unique and exciting school option for families in China – offering Chinese and American instructional techniques of inquiry-based learning, criticalthinking, and creative problem solving in a rigorous intellectual environment. The academic program will be international in scope, with a central curriculum thread that focuses on Chinese identity, language, culture, and history. Keystone will serve students grades 1 through 12, with a bilingual curriculum in the primary years and more intensive instruction in English as students progress through the program. There will be a boarding school option for Grade 7 and 8, and mandatory boarding in Grade 9-12. Houshayu Town, Shunyi District. (5825 6008, admission@keystoneacademy.cn) www. keystoneacademy.cn 北京鼎石国际学校, 顺义区后沙峪镇 The British School of Beijing (BSB) The British School of Beijing, established in 2003, is a large international school with campuses in Sanlitun (primary) and Shunyi (primary and secondary). BSB offers an enhanced English National Curriculum, IGCSE examinations up to the age of 16, followed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme to its 1,500 expatriate students from more than 60 countries. BSB also offers an optional German Thuringia Curriculum for Grade 1-4 for native German speakers. BSB is owned by the Nord Anglia Education global network of 31 schools. Age range: 1-18.Tuition fees 2013-2014 Academic Year: RMB 1,600 (Application fee); RMB 16,000 (Security deposit, payable upon acceptance); RMB 107,286 (Pre-Nursery & Nursery mornings); RMB 160,944 (Pre-Nursery & Nursery full day); RMB 173,600 (Reception); RMB 193,217 (Year 1-2); RMB 206,273 (Year 3); RMB 209,339 (Year 4-6); RMB 227,796 (Year 7-9); RMB 234,734 (Year 10-11); RMB 246,057 (Year 12-13). 1) Shunyi Campus: 9 Anhua Lu (south side), Shunyi District (8047 3558, admissions@britishschool. org.cn) 2) Sanlitun Foundation Stage: 7 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (8532 5320, admissions@britishschool.org.cn) 3) Sanlitun Primary: No.5 XiLiuJie Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (8532 3088, admissions@ britishschool.org.cn) www.britishschool.org. cn北京英国学校 1) 顺义区, 安华路9号南院 2) 朝阳区, 三里屯北小街7号 3) 朝阳区, 三里屯西六街5号 International School of Beijing (ISB) Building on its 33-year tradition of academic excellence, ISB is embracing the challenges and rewards of the future of education. Through a tailored, connected, real-world curriculum known as Learning21@ISB, the experienced and passionate teachers provide students with opportunities to grow as individuals, scholars, and contributing members of the community. Tuition fees (2013-2014 academic year): RMB 75,860 (EC3 half day); RMB 138,710 (EC4 full day); RMB 162,560 (K-Grade 5); RMB 174,430 (Grade 6-8); RMB 191,840 (Grade 9-12).

Application fees and capital levy fees also apply.10 Anhua Jie, Shunyi District (5149 2345, admission@isb.bj.edu.cn) www.isb. bj.edu.cn北京顺义国际学校顺义区, 安华街 10号 Keystone Academy Opening in September 2014, Keystone Academy offers a new schooling option for families in China, with Chinese and American instructional techniques of inquiry-based learning, criticalthinking, and creative problem solving in a rigorous intellectual environment. The academic program will be international in scope, with a central curriculum thread that focuses on Chinese identity, language, culture, and history. Keystone will serve students grades 1 through 12, with a bilingual curriculum in the primary years and more intensive instruction in English as students progress through the program. There will be a boarding school option for Grades 7 and 8, and mandatory boarding in Grades 9-12.10 Anfu Jie, Houshayu, Shunyi District (8049 6008, admission@keystoneacademy.cn) www. keystoneacademy.cn北京鼎石国际学校顺义区, 后沙峪镇安富街10号 The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China (RDFZ) Founded in 1950, the education philosophy of RDFZ is to respect individuality and develop the students’ personal development. Led by Liu Pengzhi, RDFZ boasts more than 50 international faculty members and over 200 international students. Students can choose to study Mandarin as part of the Chinese language program or take classes with regular middle and high school students. More than 85 percent of the student body has been accepted to top universities like Peking University and Tsinghua University. RDFZ has launched reforms that combine traditional Chinese education and international curricula, including elements of A-Levels, the IB program, and AP classes. RDFZ has a network of 46 partner schools worldwide, including Escola-Hamelin Laie Internacional, Spain; Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology; Phillips Academy Andover; Raffles Intitute; Eton College; and Mahidol Wittayanusorn.Department of International Students, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, 37 Zhongguancun Dajie, Haidian District (6251 3962, guojibu3962@sina.com) www.rdfz.cn中国人民大学附属中学（简称人大附中）海淀区, 中关村大街37号人大附中国际部 The International Montessori School of Beijing (MSB) As the first and only fullyregistered international Montessori school in Beijing, MSB has been serving the city’s expatriate children since 1990. Age range: 1-12. Tuition fees (2012 Academic Year): 3 Day Toddler (Age 1): RMB 41,000; 5 Day Toddler (Age 1): RMB 65,000; Morning Nursery (Age 2): RMB91,000; Full-day Nursery (Age 2): RMB 135,000; Morning Kindergarten (Ages 3-4): RMB 95,000; Full-day Kindergarten (Ages 3-4): RMB 140,000; Reception (Age 5): RMB 157,000; Elementary (Ages 6-12): RMB 163,000.Bldg 8, 2 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District (6432 8228, admissions@msb.edu.cn) www.msb. edu.cn北京蒙台梭利国际学校朝阳区, 朝阳区香江北路2号院8号楼 Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS) Situated next to the scenic downtown Honglingjin Park since 1995, Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) is officially registered as a school for foreign nationals, providing bilingual education for students aged 2-18. YCIS Beijing adheres to the National Curriculum for England (NCE) and also integrates an extensive Chinese Language and Culture programme, featuring a unique Co-Teaching model in Kindergarten and Primary school that combines one Western teacher and one Chinese teacher in every class. Within Secondary school, Yew Chung International School of Beijing follows the IGCSE and IB programmes and is accredited by NCCT,

CIS and NEASC.YCIS Beijing has a 100 percent pass rate and 100 percent university acceptance rate to universities such as Oxbridge Universities, Princeton and MIT. YCIS is the only international school in China to have received the ‘Cambridge Award for Excellence in Education’ from Cambridge International Examinations.Honglingjin Park, 5 Houbalizhuang, Chaoyang District (8583 3731, enquiry@bj.ycef.com) www.ycis-bj.com 北京耀中国际学校朝阳区, 后八里庄5号红领巾公园东门 Western Academy of Beijing The Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) is a leading international International Baccalaureate (IB) World school. Founded in 1994, WAB prides itself on its world-class facilities, highly qualified teachers, global curriculum, diverse community members, warm and supportive environment and service-oriented culture. WAB provides a learner-centered atmosphere that nurtures a strong sense of community among its 1,500 students with the mission to “Connect, Inspire, Challenge: Make a Difference.” WAB students are encouraged to take their place as responsible citizens of the world who can influence their surroundings through careful reflection and positive action. Tuition fees (2014/15 Academic Year, combined total includes capital levy and tuition; includes bus and after school activities fees): Early Years Program - Half Day (3 yrs old) RMB98,000; Early Years Program - Full Day (3 & 4 yrs old) RMB165,000; Kindergarten to Grade 5 RMB210,000; Grades 6-8 RMB223,000; Grades 9-10 RMB245,000; Grades 11-12 RMB 252,00010 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District (5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu) www.wab.edu 北京京西学校朝阳区, 来广营东路10号

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Airgle Air Purifiers Airgle is an American brand air purifier that has been consecutively ranked at the top by AHAM ((Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers). The purifiers are designed to capture 0.01 micron at 99 percent efficiency. Airgle sells different sized purifiers and HEPA filters. Daily 10am-8pm. Unit 2302, Central Place Apartments Building NO.4 ,89 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District., Chaoyang District (400-0064-365 (Sales Hotline), harlin@xin-meng.com) http:// airglexm.tmall.com (e-store)奥郎格空气净化器朝阳区, 北京市朝阳区建国路89号华贸商务4号楼2302室（华贸公寓院内）

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2) Daily 10am-9pm. 4/F, 417 Seasons Place, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District (6622 0179, info@iqair-china.com) 3) B1/F, 03A Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (6457 1922, info@iqair-china.com) 4) Daily 10am-10pm. 5/F, Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5738 2401, info@iqair-china.com) 5) Daily 10am10pm. 5/F, Household Appliance Area, Youyi Shopping City, 52 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (158 0136 1601, info@iqair-china. com) 6) 10am-10pm. B2/F, Scitech Plaza, 22 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Beijing, Chaoyang District (188 1020 5987, info@iqair-china. com) 7) 10am-8pm. 6/F, Parkson Plaza, 101 Fuxingmennei Dajie, Xicheng District (157 1286 8485, info@iqair-china.com) 8) Daily 10am-10pm. B1/F, Parkson Plaza Taiyanggong, Bldg 1, 12 Qi Sheng Zhongjie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, Chaoyang District (157 1286 8454, info@iqair-china.com) 9) Mon-Thu 10am-9pm, Fri-Sun 10am-10pm. B1/F, Golden Resources New Yansha Mall, 1 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District (157 1286 9044, info@iqair-china.com) www.iqair-china.com1) 朝阳区, 霄云路36号国航大厦1801-03室 2) 西城区, 金城坊街金融街417号四层 3) 顺义区, 天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场地下一层03A 4) 朝阳区, 建国路87号新光天地5层生活家电区 5) 朝阳区, 亮马桥路52号燕莎友谊商城5层 6) 朝阳区, 建国门外大街22号赛特购物中心地下二层 7) 西城区, 复兴门内大街101号6层百盛复兴门店家电部 8) 朝阳区, 七圣中街12号院1号楼B1 百盛太阳宫店生活家电区 9) 海淀区, 远大路1 号金源新燕莎商城地下1层

Arts & Crafts

Beijing Torana Clean Air Center Air purifiers from Blueair, pollution masks from Totobobo and Vogmask. Free home assessments and delivery. 1) 10.30am6.30pm. Unit 308, Pinnacle Plaza, Shunyi District (8046 1091) 2) Daily 10am-8.30pm. Unit LB09, 1/F, Europlaza Mall, Shunyi District (8459 0785) www.toranacleanair.com/index. html1) 顺义区, 天竺镇花梨坎村南“荣祥广场308室 2) 顺义区, 天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场LB09

Vogmask® China Vogmask is the leading anti-pollution mask available in China. Using a revolutionary microfiber filtration fabric, it filters an average of 99.978% of particulate matter (PM) – including tiny PM2.5 particles. Vogmask meets US FDA requirements for N99 rating, meaning it outperforms standard N95 masks. Vogmask comes in sizes suitable for babies, young children, teens and adults. They require no filter changes and can be used for hundreds of hours without

Zian Print and Graphics Whether you’re redecorating your place or looking for a unique gift for someone special, Zian has a wide range of unique artwork available, including original graphics, limited edition prints by Chinese and European artists covering themes of Chinese minorities, Buddhism, the streets of old Hong Kong, Peking Opera and more. Tue-Sun, 2.30-8.30pm. 30 Fangjia Hutong, Dongcheng District (131 4649 3917, ziangraphics@gmail.com, ex-libris@163.com) 子安方家胡同店东城区, 东城区方家胡同30

Home Accessories and Gear

October 2014 beijingkids

replacement. Vogmask designs can also be customized for businesses and schools. Rm 1801, Air China Plaza, No.36 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District (400 650 1253, info@ vogmask.cn) www.vogmask.cn威隔口罩朝阳区, 霄云路36号国航大厦1801室 baby international This three-in-one family restaurant, play center, and baby gear store caters to the needs of international families in Beijing. The store stocks strollers, car seats, mom essentials, cribs, toys, and more from imported brands like Bugaboo, Ergo Baby, and Ecobibi.国际宝贝 Counting Sheep Children’s Boutique Counting Sheep offers gear for moms, dads and kids. From maternity clothes, baby furniture, baby shower gifts to party items. International brands include Stokke, Bloom, Boob, Baby Bjorn, Ergo Carriers, Hotslings, Bravado, Chicobello, Fleurville, BamBam, Big Bobby Cars, and Trunki. Sun-Thu 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am8pm. 17 Gongti Beilu (1/F of Bodhi bldg, directly across from north gate of Workers Stadium), Chaoyang District (6417 7622, ask@countingsheepboutique.com) www. countingsheepboutique.com洋洋宝宝店朝阳区, 工体北路17号（工体北门对面） Cuccina Founded in 2011, Cuccina is a retailer specializing in quality kitchen furnishings and gourmet cookware. Brands include Le Creuset, Swissmar, Microplane, Joseph Joseph, Typhoon, Eva Solo, Lékué, and more. 1) 17 Gongti Beilu (across from north gate of Workers’ Stadium, in the same building as Bodhi), Chaoyang District (6413 0223) 2) Daily 10am-9pm. Shop 55, B1/F, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8420 0971) 品厨 1) 朝阳区, 工体北路17号（工体北门对面） 2) 朝阳区, 酒仙桥路 18号颐堤港商场地铁层店铺号LG55

PiXSTUDIO Founded by Texas native Dave Hanssen, PiXSTUDIO is Beijing’s premier creative fine art portrait studio specializing in 100-day portraits, kids, and commercial photography. Frequent beijingkids collaborator.7/F, Bldg 2, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (6500 1663, service@pixstudio.com.cn) www.pixstudio. com.cn美国大卫儿童摄影朝阳区, 建国路93号万达广场2号楼7层

Sports Basketball Beijing Falcons Basketball Club Beijing Falcons Basketball Club (formerly known as Basketball World) is a well recognized basketball organization that caters to expat families. The club’s players are mainly from schools such as Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), International School of Beijing (ISB), and Dulwich College Beijing (DCB). The teams are divided by age group of U14, U16, and U19 and at the beginning of every season the club adds more teams. This club is a great opportunity for students to meet other students who share the same interest, and are all seeking to improve their basketball skills. Open to all.北京菲尔肯斯篮球俱乐部

Climbing

Renaud Lifestyle Products Ltd. Englishlanguage online store that sells BBQ grills, air purifiers (Alen Air), water filters and mosquito traps. Free delivery.18 Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng District (5979 8115, sales@ renaud.hk) www.renaudliving.com雷诺精品购物东城区, 新中街18号

Organic Goods TooToo Organic Farm TooToo encompasses a farm in Pinggu and an online organic food delivery service established in 2008. Certified by both China’s COFCC and Europe’s ECOCERT, TooToo has a 70-acre organic farm near Pinggu open to visitors. Hotline: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Sat-Sun and holidays 9am-7pm. Ma Changying Village, Ma Changying Town, Pinggu District (400 898 9797) shop.tootoo. cn沱沱工社平谷区, 马昌营镇马昌营村

Photography Studios Mishka Family Photography This husband and wife team speak Russian, English and Chinese. Offers professional portraits, actions shots, and specializes in photographing children. 1) C3, Fuli City, Shuangjing Qiao, Chaoyang District (, maxim@mishka.pro) 2) Rm 1910, CAMEO Center, Guangshunnan Dajie, Chaoyang District (, maxim@mishka.pro) www.mishka. cn1) 朝阳区, 双井桥富力城C3 2) 朝阳区, 广顺南大街嘉美中心1910 Moxue Zhang Photography Trained at the Hallmark Institute of Photography in the US, Moxue Zhang is a portrait photographer with a studio in Central Park. While her focus lies on children and female solo portraits, Moxue has experience with a wide range of subjects – from weddings to executive portraits – and welcomes challenging assignments. Rather than mass production, the outcome of each shoot is an individual piece of art. For onlocation shoots, Moxue is relatively flexible within or around Beijing. Appointments are best booked one month in advance to guarantee availability; walk-in clients are not accepted.默雪映像

beijingkids 2014 October

com万国群星足球俱乐部朝阳区, 万国群星办公室位于朝阳区酒仙桥路14号兆维华灯大厦A1 区3门A316，工作时间为上午9点至下午6点。联系方式为

Hiking Beijing Hikers Hikes of varying difficulty in villages near Beijing. Open to everyone. Call for info on hikes and what to bring. Prices vary for overnight hikes; weekend hikes are RMB 250/300 (adult), half price for children under 12, including round trip transport, snacks and drinks after the hike, detailed map of the hike and professional guidance. Advance reservations necessary. RMB 200/yr membership gets a 10% discount on regular hikes. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm. Rm 601, Bldg 2, Xinhualian Ligang, 26 Jiuxianqiao Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (6432 2786, info@ beijinghikers.com) www.beijinghikers.com朝阳区, 酒仙桥中路26号新华联丽港2号楼601室

Martial Arts Black Tiger Fight Club Founded in 2006, Black Tiger Fight Club is the only complete MMA training center that caters primarily to expats. The center’s coaching team consists of world champions, UFC veteran coaches and fighters, and certified conditioning coaches. With two locations in Beijing, Black Tiger Fighting Club Beijing offers martial arts and fitness classes for women, kids, teens, and adults, including Muay Thai, kickboxing, Brazilian jiujitsu, wrestling, boxing, and weekend self-defense workshops. 1) 2/F, 5 Laiguanying Donglu (across from WAB, west of Lane Bridge Villa), Chaoyang District (, info@blacktigerclub.com) 2) Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center Gymnasium, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (, info@ blacktigerclub.com) www.blacktigerclub. com1) 朝阳区, 莱广营东路5号2层（京西学校对面，长岛澜桥西侧） 2) 朝阳区, 亮马桥路40号

Misc Sports

O’le Climbing O’le’s top-roping and lead climbing wall is 12.5m high and features 7 roped climbing stations with numerous professionally-set routes suitable for novices and experts alike. Staff members frequently change the holids and routes, so there’s something new every time. The center also has one of the best indoor bouldering rooms in China, with 150sqm of verticals, slabs, bulges, and a 45° overhanging wall. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-8pm. 5 Shimencun Lu, Baiziwan Qiao Dong, Dongsihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (186 1846 1002, oleclimbing@gmail.com) www.oleclimbing. com奥莱攀岩朝阳区, 朝阳区东四环中路百子湾桥东石门村路5号

Football (Soccer) Beijing Kickers German Football Club The Beijing Kickers are the first German Youth Football Club in Beijing. Their all year round Junior Coaching program is intended for boys and girls aged 3-11 years and they offer regular lessons in German and English language. By using modern and age-appropriate training methods, their experienced coaches will enhance the football skills of your child. Moreover, they focus on moral values, education through sports, communication, enthusiasm and passion.Room 3053, Building no. 1,No. 5 Liu Fang Nan Li, Chaoyang District (, info@ beijingkickers.com) www.beijingkickers.com 朝阳区, 北京市朝阳区柳芳南里甲5号1号楼3053 ClubFootball 9am-6pm. Unit A316, Door 3, Zone A1, Zhaowei Huadeng Plaza, Zhaowei Building #51, 14 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District (5130 6893/4/5/6, coaching@wanguoqunxing.com, activities@ wanguoqunxing.com) www.wanguoqunxing.

Heyrobics Based on the Swedish fitness movement of jympa, Heyrobics was brought to Beijing by one of the founder’s sons, Linus Holmsater. Classes are instantly recognizable from the enthusiastic, pink-shorted instructors. Each one-hour session combines strength, running, agility, and cardio. There are three difficulty levels (starter, medium, and intensive) set to eclectic, instructordesigned playlists. Taking places in venues across Liangmaqiao, Sanlitun, and the CBD, programs also include HeyRunning, Core, and Circuit classes. RMB 40 per session (members), RMB 50 for non-members. www. heyrobics.com

Multi-Sports Organizations Flips & Kicks Plus Formerly known as Beijing Sports Plus, Flips & Kicks Plus specializes in providing gymnastics and martial arts coaching to Beijing’s international community. Kids can improve their physical condition, co-ordinaton, concentration, selfesteem and confidence in a stimulating, challenging, safe and fun environment. Programs are taught in English by qualified international staff. (info@flipsandkicksplus. com) www.flipsandkicksplus.com Sports Beijing Sports Beijing is a nonprofit organization that provides sports and recreational activities to the children of Beijing. Modeled after North American and European community sports organizations, Sports Beijing offers more than 15 sports and recreational programs, including baseball, basketball, flag football, floor ball, gymnastics, ice hockey, martial arts, rugby, skiing, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field/athletics. Available for young athletes (ages 4-18) and their families. Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. 2/F, Lido Country Club, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (6430 1370) www. sportsbj.org

Scuba Diving SinoScuba Founded in 2003 by PADI IDC Staff Instructor Steven Schwankert, SinoScuba offers PADI scuba diving courses from Discover Scuba Diving up to Assistant Instructor. Confined water dives usually take place at Blue Zoo Beijing, with shark and dolphin fun dives available at Beijing Aquarium. Suitable for ages 10 and up. (186 1113 3629, steven@sinoscuba.com) www. sinoscuba.com

Swimming Aqua Warriors Swimming Club Founded in 2011, Aqua Warriors Swimming Club counts more than 300 swimmers among its members. The club regularly cooperates with American and Canadian swim clubs and has held two world-standard training camps in the past. It also organizes annual swim meets in Beijing. Teachers use scientific training methods to enhance students’ interest in swimming and improve their performance.勇者体育俱乐部 Dragon Fire Swim Team Nearly 130 international students receive training in competitive swimming under the tutelage of founder and head coach Kevin Hua. Instruction is offered for kids ages 4-18 at the beginning (able to swim 10m), intermediate and advanced levels. The team has competed in races in Singapore and Hong Kong, and also competes with local Chinese teams. RMB 60-90 per lesson, RMB 1,200-4,500 per season (depends on the level, number of times a week, etc), plus RMB 300 registration fee. Classes held at WAB, CISB, BSB, and DCB. Contact Dragon Fire’s Coach Hua to find out about age ranges, detailed schedules, and program fees. Mookey Swim Club Tue-Sun, 9am-6pm. Rm H101, Chateau Regency, Chaoyang District (next to Beijing United Family Hospital), Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District (400 879 9086 / 158 1009 8275, sunny_mookey@foxmail.com) www. mookeyswim.com朝阳区, 朝阳区芳园西路和乔丽晶H101室

Yoga & Pilates Alona Pilates Studio Founded in 2005 by Russian-born Alona Vostrikova, Alona Pilates specializes in mat Pilates to create long, lean muscles. Equipment used includes TheraBands, magic circles, and fit balls. The studio also offers cardio ballet classes. RMB 250 per group class, several discount packages available that drop the price down to RMB 80-200 per class. Reservations needed. Daily 7.30am-9.30pm. Heavenly Spa by Westin, 5/F, Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 1 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (139 1029 0260, alona@alonapilates.com) alonapilates.com朝阳区, 新源南路1号金茂北京威斯汀大饭店5层威斯汀天梦水疗中心 Prana Vikasa Yoga Shala Prana Vikasa Yoga Shala is the only non-commercial yoga school in Beijing that is dedicated to teaching the traditional and pure form of Indian yoga. Their yogi masters help pave the way to better understanding yourself and your potential for happiness and health. Special courses include: Ashtanga, Hatha, Pranayama, Meditation, Kriyas, P.V. Back Bends, Prana Yoga and P.V. therapy class. Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am6.30pm. Rm 2409, North Tower, Shangdu SOHO, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5869 6438, info@pranavikasa.com) www. pranavikasa.com朝阳区, 东大桥路8号尚都 Soho 北塔楼2409. Yoga Yard Yard Vinyasa (flow) yoga classes offered daily, mornings and evenings, at various levels. offers pre- and postnatal yoga, introduction to yoga, restorative yoga, and other workshops. Yoga books, mats and wellness products also available. Kids yoga for ages 4 and above. RMB 400 for a

four-week session. Mon-Thu 7.15am-9.30pm, Fri-Sun 7.15am-8pm. Fri-Sun 7.15am-8pm. 6/F, 17 Gongti Beilu (across from the north gate of Workers’ Stadium), Chaoyang District (6413 0774, info@yogayard.com) www. yogayard.com瑜珈苑朝阳区, 工体北路17号6层工人体育场北门对面

Space in the magazine directories is extremely limited; priority is given to advertisers and venues or organizations covered in this month’s issues. For the complete directories, visit our website at www.beijing-kids.com.

October 2014 beijingkids

Favorite Family Restaurant Peter’s Tex-Mex Grill in Lido. They have good Mexican food and Asia loves the play area.

Favorite Dessert We like the cupcakes from Mrs. Fields at Pinnacle Plaza.

Favorite Day Trip We like to make a day out of shopping at Beijing Scitech Premium Outlet Mall and eating at Danny’s Hot Dog. We did our back-toschool shoe shopping at Nike and found deals on shoes between RMB 100-200.

New Discoveries Pie Squared near Beijing Rivera. Since HIS has recently moved to Crab Island, we are also discovering familyfriendly activities like horseback riding. Family Rituals We have story time every night as long as Tiffany isn’t in the mood to rip the book.

Favorite Neighborhood We love Shunyi; our kids don’t feel too alien and most of their friends are here. It’s a very familyfriendly area.

Best Place to Shop We like big brands like GAP and H&M to guarantee everyone can get something. There’s also a store at Pinnacle Plaza called Tot 2 Teen; it has dresses for my older daughter and some outfits for the little one. Mothercare is where we shop for Tiffany because we can buy in bulk and the quality is guaranteed.

Your Kids Beg You to Go Asia loves pizza, so she requests Papa John’s a lot. She also likes the merry-goround in front of Euro Plaza.

Best Places to Play Outdoors We like the new playground at Indigo Mall. Best Place for Special Occasion We recommend Morton’s of Chicago for their extremely friendly staff and great food.

The Moody Family photo by Dave PiXSTUDIO

ince moving to China in 2008, the Moody family (US) has lived in three places before relocating to Beijing in 2012: a small city near Wuhan, Linyi near Qingdao, and Shanghai. Parents Alicia and Dennis both work at Hope International School (HIS), where Dennis teaches PE and English Language Learning (ELL) and Alicia is the admissions director. They have two daughters, both born in China: Asia (age 4) and Tiffany Sky (8 months). Asia attends preschool at HIS. We recently caught up with Alicia to find out where she and her family spend their downtime. Yvette Ferrari

From left: Alicia, Tiffany Sky (ageAugust 8 months), Asia (4), and Dennis at the Beijing Scitech Premium Outlet Mall beijingkids 2014

Weekend Activities Swimming and play dates for the oldest as well as church at Beijing International Christian Fellowship on Sundays and a new restaurant afterwards.