Beijingkids Dec 2014

December 2014

All A-Board!

Residential life at Keystone Sweet Charity

Meet Beijing’s young philanthropists Let’s Make Merry

Recipes and DIY decorations Yule love

Baby, It’s Cold Outside Everything you need to make the holidays warm and cozy

DECEMBER 2014 CONTENTS

48

32

26

FeatureS 44

Lighting a Fire

Health 20

Three Beijing youngsters describe their charitable endeavors

48

Deck the Halls

Melissa Rodriguez on soothing dry winter skin

21

Holiday handicrafts to make with your kids

54

The Natural Path Doctor’s Orders Not so fast on those antibiotics, says Dr. Dorothy Dexter

Season’s Feastings Step-by-step recipes for traditional seasonal favorites

Living 13

From the Blog

Dining 22

Kaelyn Hepburn is snug as a bug at The Rug Sanlitun

24

Seasonal Roundup Get turkey, ham, and all the trimmings for Christmas

Prince Andrew visits Harrow

14

Dining Out

Noticeboard Community news and announcements

16

Talking Shop

17

Birthday Bash

A bowl of good cheer from Miss Muesli Winter babies welcome at the Dulwich Ice Rink

18

Indulge Liz Semperio plays it cool

Playing 26

What’s Fun In

By Jiminy! Cricket training with Bespoke Beijing

30

Family Travels The Keogh family rocks the kasbah in Morocco

DECEMBER 2014 CONTENTS

12

22

18 Learning

32

A Home Away From Home A boarder’s life at Keystone Academy

36

When I Grow Up Freediver Hanli Prinsloo immerses herself at WAB

38

Blank Canvas Art by students from BIBA

Parenting 40

Beijing Baba

41

Alternate Routes

Directories 68 70 71 72 74 75 77 78

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

Christopher Lay stays in Beijing for the holidays Jennifer Ambrose makes the most of rare snow days

Essentials 7 8 12

Editor’s Note December Events New Arrivals

60

The Circuit

80

Family Favorites

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

ON THE COVER: Cole Hanssen was born at Amcare Women’s and Children’s Hospital eight months ago.

His older brother Miles (age 4) is currently transferring to the Waldorf School in Shunyi. For our cover shoot, Cole’s dad – Dave Hanssen of PiXSTUDIO – was behind the lens while mom Ma Zheng coaxed smiles. Santa says that if Cole and Miles are good, they’ll be getting temporary tattoos and toys this Christmas. Towards the end of the shoot, Cole left us a surprise of his own on the blanket (if you know what we mean).

Photography by Dave PiXSTUDIO

《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: December 1, 2014

Adviser 顾 问

2014 年 12 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12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

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

Sally Wilson Jennifer Ambrose, Dr. Dorothy Dexter, Christopher Lay, Melissa Rodriguez

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 TOPPAN LEEFUNG CHANGCHENG PRINTING (BEIJING) CO., LTD. 北京利丰雅高长城印刷有限公司

Address 本刊地址

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 Operations Manager Managing Editor Deputy Managing Editor

Michael Wester Toni Ma Sijia Chen Yvette Ferrari

Web Editor

Nimo Wanjau Sally Wilson

Marketing Manager

Shana Zhang

beijingkids Brand Manager

Victoria Yang

Art Director

Susu Luo

Production Manager

Joey Guo

Principal Designer and Illustrator Advertising Designer Photographers Sales Manager Sales Team

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.

Crystal Liu Yuki Jia Mitchell Pe Masilun, Sui, Ken, Serena Xu

Sales Team Coordinator

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.

Aisling O’Brien

School Editor Shunyi Correspondent

AJ Warner

Ivy Wang Luo Yi Sheena Hu, Winter Liu, Amy Sun,

Sara Wramner-Wang

Over the past 20 years, Sara Wramner-Wang has worked in various senior management positions in China at companies like Ericsson, Ikea, and Oriflame. She is currently the director of sales and marketing and head of admissions for EF Academy International Boarding Schools’ Asia operations. Sara and her family enjoy sports, music, and travel. Contact her at sarawramner@hotmail.com.

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, Zhao Fengjuan

Distribution

Cao Zheng

General Inquiries

5779 8877

Editorial Distribution

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

5779 5389/90 5941 5387

Contact: General information: info@beijing-kids.com Editorial: editor@beijing-kids.com

Eyee Hsu

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.

Sales: sales@truerun.com Marketing: marketing@truerun.com Distribution: distribution@truerun.com Directories: listings@beijing-kids.com

Want to Join?

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

Recipes for Ayi (goo.gl/6pQtZw) Shunyi correspondent Sally Wilson expands her ayi’s repertoire with western recipes from Chinese-language cookbook Kitchen Delight, written by beijingkids parent board member and mom-of-two, Yanhong Wheeler.

LAYman’s Chronicles: What Not to Give (goo.gl/zHD9Wl)

WEB ROUNDUP

‘Tis the season for giving, but some donations are more encouraged than others at Roundabout, as Christopher Lay discovers firsthand.

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

s Third on China Place SBC Life Poll Expatriate H V3F) (goo.gl/fIM

by ies conducted er 100 countr ov of npe ey m rv co su A rms of ina third in te in er w lo HSBC ranks Ch ly ificant pats, but sign e th t Ge ” sation for ex n. re “raising child d an e” nc ie “exper on our blog. bigger picture

Sunny Tours Offers a New TenDay Nepal Trip Made Ju st for Teens (goo.g l/iGu0IY) A specially tailo red winter ge t away for teen that’s open to s Beijing-based students who speak English or Korean to experience hi altitude campi gh ng in Nepal.

Find out mor on our blog. e

EDITOR'S NOTE

From left: Deputy Managing Editor Aisling O’Brien, me, Web Editor Nimo Wanjau, and School Editor Yvette Ferrari

The Month Before Christmas photo by Dave PiXSTUDIO

F

ew understand the necessity of having a good support network as well as expats. In the absence of family, we form familial bonds with friends, co-workers, and fellow members of sports teams, book clubs, knitting circles, charity organizations, and other interest groups. Though goodbyes are de rigueur, we counter-intuitively develop close and often intense relationships over relatively short periods of time.

When I first moved in Beijing in 2011 to study Chinese at Renmin University, it didn’t take long to find my place in a multi-cultural group of friends from Belgium, Israel, Finland, Italy, Germany, and Spain.

We were inseparable, hanging out after class at the Korean-owned An Bang cafe on campus or in each other’s dorm rooms. We did all the typical student stuff, like standing around and trying to look smart at the Bridge Cafe’s ThinkInChina talks and getting barfed on by strangers at Propaganda.

I was devastated when the school year ended. We gathered for a last hurrah at El Nido and sat outdoors into the wee hours of the morning.

When the first people started leaving, we hugged and cried and promised to stay in touch. I’d never seen so many grown-ups sobbing into each other’s shirts. It would’ve been funny if it wasn’t so sad.

Of that 15-strong group, only my friend Anna (now the development manager at Bethel China) and I remained in Beijing. We survived, of course, meeting new people and finding full-time jobs. As I progressed from intern to managing editor at beijingkids over the past three years, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside many talented and inspiring people. For starters, there was Ash Lendrum from Sales, who left last February to pursue her twin passions of scuba diving and Muay Thai,

as well as former Deputy Managing Editor Ellis Friedman, who recently published her first novel.

This month, I felt a swell of pride and admiration for my current team as we crafted together for the feature story and did a rare editor photoshoot at Tavola. Though she had to miss the shoot, our Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson is ruthlessly organized and always one step ahead – skills that no doubt come in handy when wrangling her two kids. Our web editor, Nimo Wanjau, can always be spotted by the sound of her distinctive and generous laughter. Our school editor, Yvette Ferrari, is by her own admission “bad” at crafts but ended up producing a beautiful Christmas garland through sheer diligence and hard work.

Deputy Managing Editor Aisling O’Brien came up with the idea for a homemade holiday issue in the first place, bringing her customary passion and flair to everything from the cover concept to the recipes and crafts themselves.

So this time, I don’t have a childhood story for you – just appreciation for the many families in our lives, whether at work or at home. The beijingkids team and I wish you a merry Christmas, a happy Hanukkah, and a fruitful new year.

Sijia Chen Managing Editor

December 2014 beijingkids

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DECEMBER 7-21 3

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2 Sun, Dec 7 Pies and Ales All ages. The Hutong brings together freshly-made pies from Two Guys and a Pie and craft ales and homebrews from Great Leap and Slowboat. The afternoon features The Beijing Homebrew contest, where attendees get to vote on their favorite brew from The Beijing Homebrewing Society. RMB 249 (non-members), RMB 150 (members). Noon-4pm. The Hutong (6404 3355, 159 0104 6127)

1 Christmas Factory

Family Concert with Movie and Cartoon Music All ages. A quintet of Chinese and Western classical musicians, The Wisemann Brass Ensemble, performs music from well-known movies and cartoons like Spirited Away. Registration required.

RMB 80 per person (includes a drink), RMB 200 per family (two adults and one child). 5pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507, kidsclub@beijingbookworm.com) Tue, Dec 9 2 Understanding and Beating Back Pain For teens and adults. An International SOS physiotherapist

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beijingkids 2014 December

Wed, Dec 10

3 A Dulwich Christmas All ages. DCB welcomes all for a meet-and-greet with Santa, arts and crafts for younger kids, a little spot of shopping from vendors, and performances by students and staff. Free. 5-8pm. Dulwich College Beijing (6454 9000) Sat, Dec 13 and Sun, Dec 14

4 beijingkids and JingKids 2014 Santa on Ice

All ages. Kick off the winter holidays at the annual Santa on Ice with 90 minutes of ice skating for kids, holiday treats and goodies, presents from Santa, and family portraits at our first-ever Christmas mini-fair just outside the Tiffany store. Each child ticket comes with two non-skating entries for grownups. Registration required. beijingkids Club members: RMB 100 per child, nonmembers: RMB 150 per child. 1.30pm-4pm. Le Cool (5779 8877, events@beijing-kids.com) Sat, Dec 13

5 The Hutong’s Christmas Fayre All ages. The last big bazaar of the season features homemade jams, teas, baked goods, chocolates, handicrafts, jewelry, painting,

photos: Cnc, elvert barnes, informatique (flickr), and ken

All ages. Create Christmas decorations, greeting cards, and custom t-shirts at Atelier’s open house to get into the holiday spirit.

French-style hot wine and Christmas biscuits will be served, as well as a preview of Atelier’s 2015 programs. Free. 2-5.30pm.

Atelier (6416 1614, 132 4018 4908)

touches on the causes, treatment, and prevention of back pain as well as common exercise mistakes. Registration required.

Free. 10-11.30am. International SOS Beijing Clinic (seminar@ internationalsos.com)

events ESSENTIALS Editor’s Pick

Dining

Playing

Learning

Community

Living

Health

Parenting

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6 cards, and more under a “warm winter” theme. Don’t forget to try the hot cups of vin brulé! This event is sponsored by the Beijinger.

Free. 11am-4pm. The Hutong (6404 3355, 159 0104 6127)

photos: Photeka and Taz and Belly (flickr)

Sun, Dec 14 Family Musik Fun Christmas Concert 2014 Ages 0-7. A holiday-themed music concert for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers with a live band, sing-along sessions, and talent shows at Family Musik Fun. Registration required. Price TBC. 4-5pm. Family Musik Fun (chloesfamilymusicfun@gmail.com) Mon, Dec 15 Film-Making Workshop For teens. This workshop takes participants through the basics of film-making, covering pre- to post-production stages over a period of three days. November 15-17. Registration required. RMB 1,000.

1.30-4.30pm. Atelier (6416 1614, 132 4018 4908) Thu, Dec 20 and Fri, Dec 21

6 Christmas Special: Build a Snowman

Ages 3-6. Bluebridge’s Frozen-inspired “Do You Want to Build a Snowman?” special has kids making snowman crafts and teaming up with parents. Registration required. Dec 20 session in Lido and Dec 21 at Chaowai SOHO. RMB 100, free for members. Bluebridge International Education (5900 0270, 5947 2275)

December 2014 beijingkids

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DECEMBER 24-JANUARY 1 1

2 Wed, Dec 24

1 Christmas Eve Semi-Buffet Dinner

All ages. Classic Italian cuisine with a modern twist from the appetizer to desserts will be the focus this Christmas at The Ritz-Carlton as cooked by Italian Chef Ivan Fargnoli. Reservations required. RMB 888 + 15%. 6-10pm. Barolo (5908 8151)

Aroma Christmas Eve Dinner Buffet All ages. Dinner buffet specials featuring Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Southeast Asian, and western dishes for a Christmas meal with a twist. Reservations required. RMB 1,388 + 15% (includes free-flow champagne). 6-10pm. Aroma (5908 8161)

Sun, Dec 28 Ancient Villages Visit Ages 5+. A visit to three ancient rural villages: Cuandixia Village, Double Stone Village, and Baiyu Village – gives a snapshot of early Chinese lifestyles and architecture. This includes lunch at local farmer’s house. Registration required. RMB 450 (10% discount for members and students). China Travellers (chinatravellers88@gmail.com)

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing Christmas Eve Feast All ages. A fusion of traditional Beijing, Taiwanese, Spanish, and Australian flavors infuse this Christmas Eve dinner. With classic Christmas dishes such as roast turkey, chipolatas, cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts, terrines, and desserts. Reservations required. RMB 555, RMB 333 (ages 6-12). Hilton Beijing Wangfujing (5812 8888 ext 8411)

beijingkids 2014 December

Wed, Dec 31 New Year’s Eve at Pinotage All ages. Dig in to a South African barbecue (Braai) buffet, canapés, then toast to the New Year with friends and family. The barbecue buffet ends at 9.30pm as the canapé buffet begins.

RMB 388 (barbecue buffet with two drinks), RMB 150 (includes canapé buffet with sparkling wine). 7.30-midnight. Pinotage (6430 7010)

photos: Andrew xu and zanastardust (flickr)

All ages. Enjoy a half buffet, half a la carte style festive dinner on the night before Christmas with friends and family. Reservations required. RMB 238 + 15% surcharge.

5.30-10pm. Feast by East (8414 9820)

Christmas Eve Dinner at Mio All ages. A five-course gourmet Italian menu featuring short ribs, foie gras, and more. A la carte menu also available. Reservatons required. RMB 888 + 15%. 6-10pm. Mio (5695 8522)

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Thu, Dec 25

2 Barolo Christmas Set Dinner

events

ESSENTIALS

Want your family-friendly event to appear in our next issue?

Upload it at www.beijing-kids.com/events by December 5.

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photos: Courtesy o f Beijing Playhouse and Elfon (Flickr)

Wed, Dec 31 and Thu, Jan 1 New Year Dining at Agua All ages. From appetizers to a four-course meal, the whole family can enjoy a last 2014 dinner or first 2015 dinner at Agua. Choose from lobster to Wagyu beef, and much more. RSVP required. RMB 496 (entire meal), RMB 398 (main only), RMB 98 (appetizers only). 5-9pm. Agua (5208 6188, 5208 6198,5208 6190) Ongoing Beijing Playhouse Christmas Pantomime: 3 Robin Hood All ages. From December 5-21, the Beijing Playhouse cast will perform a Christmas pantomime of Robin Hood as families cheer and jeer the heroes and villains. In English with Chinese subtitles. Weekday shows start at 7.30pm and weekend matinees at 2pm. Advance tickets: RMB 260 (adult), RMB 130 (students and kids). At the door: RMB 300 (adult), RMB 150 (students and kids). 2-9pm. National Olympic Sports Center Theatre (performance@beijingplayhouse.com)

4 Santa’s Toy Workshop

Ages 3-6. An eight-day workshop (December 22-31) teaches kids how to make toys such as robots, treasure chests, snowman dolls, musical instruments, and more. There will be a performance on the last day of the workshop. Registration required. RMB 4,980.

Bluebridge International Education (5900 0270, 5947 2275)

December 2014 beijingkids

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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 June 1, 2014.

Kimberley Brooke Liang Wang

Muen Zhang

1 to Linyuan Chinese. Born on Aug New Century at ng Zha Sun and Zhe s Hospital.

Women’s and Children’

British. Born on Jun 28 to Anastasia Liang and Wesley Wang at Beijing United Family Hospital.

Yunxi Li

16 to Xianxian Pan Chinese. Born on Sep Obstetrics and and Yang Li at Beijing pital Medical Ca Gynecology Hospital, y. rsit ive Un

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beijingkids 2014 December

Pony Li

Chinese. Born on Aug 27 to Rui Zheng and Zhi Li at New Centu ry Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Weitao Meng

Chinese. Born on Aug 13 to Xiaoju Zhou and Deping Meng at New Century Women’s and Children’ s Hospital.

FROM THE BLOG LIVING

Harrow Welcomes Prince Andrew for 10th Anniversary

by Yvette Ferrari

From left: Sir Sebastian Wood, British Ambassador to China, His Royal Highness The Duke of York, Chairman Daniel Chiu of Harrow International Management Services Limited, and Ian Taylor of Harrow International Schools

photo: Courtesy of Harrow

I

t’s Friday, October 24 and beijingkids has the chance to attend Harrow International School to celebrate the school’s 10th anniversary in Beijing. His Royal Highness Prince Andrew, Duke of York is both attending and speaking at the event. Kicking off the ceremony, Harrow’s choir entertains the crowd while Prince Andrew visits classrooms. The choir begins with a humorous melody about a “bachelor hippo trying to find love” followed by the school’s anthem “Follow Up,” a song about life at school and what it will be like in forty years when students return to their former school.

After much anticipation from the audience, attendees are instructed to stand as Prince Andrew enters the auditorium and Headmaster David Shinkfield welcomes him to the stage.

Prince Andrew begins with a short speech about the value of education. “Learning is a gift. A gift is something given freely but the person giving it has no idea how the recipient will use that gift. You never know when you’ll call upon it but you’re always recognizing how important that gift was,” he says.

Prince Andrew also speaks on leadership and calls upon students, staff, and teachers to understand his and her own contribution to the success of each student. “In order to lead, you’re going to need to apply the challenges this school lays out for you. I wish you all success, students, but remember to take the challenges this school offers you. Staff and teachers, I wish you success to get the most out of your students. Education is no longer about route learning, but about encouragement.”

Prince Andrew wraps up the speech with a message to parents.

He says: “No school can work without its parents because students, teachers, staff, and parents work in harmony. Students, say thank you to your parents for having you because without them, you wouldn’t have had the opportunity to come to a great school like this.”

After his speech, Prince Andrew unveiled the ten-year anniversary plaque with Chairman Daniel Chiu of Harrow International Management Services Limited. Chiu is also the founder of Harrow International Schools in Beijing, Bangkok, and Hong Kong.

As a part of the Harrow International School Foundation Limited, Harrow Beijing has a governing board with members from the UK who are responsible for the philosophy, culture, and strategic direction of the school as well as providing oversight to ensure appropriate policy and procedures are in place for day-to-day operations. Governing members are also in attendance for the ten-year ceremony.

After the ceremony, media and members of the extended Harrow community are invited to join a tour of campus.

“I’m so envious. I wish I had this when I was growing up,” says Shinkfield. “Harrow Beijing is the result of the Harrow UK Governors’ decision over 20 years ago to perpetuate the legacy and tradition of Harrow. We will ‘follow up’ and try to live up to the tradition of our school.”

This article was modified from a post on www.beijing-kids.com by the same author.

December 2014 beijingkids

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BEIJING Daystar Academy and Ivy Schools Merge Jack Hsu, the CEO of Ivy Schools, recently met with Daystar Academy parents to share information and answer questions about the school’s recent merger with Ivy Schools. The combined organization has plans to extend into secondary education, providing local and expat families with a high-quality bilingual K-12 curriculum. Both schools were founded more than ten years ago and will continue to build on Daystar’s unique bilingual Chinese-western dual track education with a strong emphasis on character development.

In previous years, Daystar students have performed exceptionally in both Dongcheng District Education tests and International School Assessments (ISA). The merger is designed to take this academic excellence into middle and high school. For more information, visit www.ivyschools.com or www.daystarchina.cn.

ISB Team Competes in International Shaolin Wushu Festival The Int e r nat ional School of Beijing’s (ISB) Wushu Warriors were recently invited to compete in the International Shaolin Wushu Festival, where they received a total of 19 medals – one silver and 18 bronze. ISB was the only school invited to compete; the festival is not normally open to students.

HIS Introduces Scholarship Programs

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beijingkids 2014 December

photos: Courtesy of Daystar, ISB, AND HIS

Faith-based Hope International School (HIS) has introduced merit- and needsbased scholarships in academics, music, and art for the new academic year.

Scholarships entitle students to a 50 percent reduction in tuition and school fees. All applicants require a written application, a personal essay, a pastoral recommendation, a teacher recommendation, and a personal interview, with additional requirements depending on the type of scholarship. To find out more, visit hopeintlschool.org.

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 December 5.

DCB Student Wins First Place in Televised Competition Tony Yun, a Year 8 student at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB), was awarded first prize in the prestigious CCTV 2014 Piano Competition. Held every three years in front of a live TV audience, the competition attracts a large number of talented participants, mostly from music conservatories all over China. Yun competed in the “15 and under professional” category and was the youngest of the three finalists. His final round piece was the third movement of Chopin’s Piano Concerto No. 1 in E Minor, which he played accompanied by the China Philharmonic Orchestra.

photos: Courtesy of DCB and Keystone

Keystone Becomes Beijing’s Second SSAT Center Ke y s t one Ac ade my recently became an official test center for the Secondary School Admission Test (SSAT), a standardized admissions test for students in Grades 3 to 11. This makes the school one of only two test centers in the capital. Keystone itself requires the SSAT for applicants to Grades 8 through 10, but will also serve as an open test site for all Chinese and international students who need to take the test. This month, the school will be open for a test date on December 13.

December 2014 beijingkids

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LIVING TALKING SHOP

Go with the Grain Miss Muesli wants you to break your fast the healthy way

by Nimo Wanjau

T

wo years ago, Czech native Klara Dlouha (pictured on the bottom left) received handmade muesli as a Christmas gift from her sister. She started doing her own research after having trouble consistently finding affordable muesli for breakfast, meeting future business partner Anita Zhang in the process. On October 21, they opened Miss Muesli in Xiguan Hutong right next to Cuju Moroccan Bistrot and Rummery.

The duo sources their ingredients from Europe and China, using import companies like the ones that Zhang used to work for, and suppliers whose main clientele consists of hotels. The ingredients are stored and prepared in the kitchen at the the back of their shop.

Miss Muesli sells muesli and granola; the latter is baked, resulting in a clumpier and more substantial breakfast cereal. A row of shelves divide the shop front from the back, loaded up with muesli mixes weighed, packed, sealed, and stamped by the women themselves.

Miss Muesli has four different types of pre-mixed muesli and one granola. The muesli flavors are Miss Fruit Fever, Mr. Naughty Nut, Miss Beijing Kiss, and Mr. Fig and Mrs. Date. The granola mix is called Granny Granola. All mixes come in two sizes: 400g and 750g. The 400g bags cost RMB 35 for the muesli and RMB 45 for the granola, while the 750g bags cost RMB 58 for the muesli and RMB 70 for the granola.

For the holiday season, Dlouha and Zhang are packaging their cereals in glass bottles to give as gifts; these cost RMB 60 for the muesli and RMB 70 for the granola.

Miss Muesli mixes are made up of three components: a base (e.g. oats, rye, buckwheat, and granola), dried fruits (e.g. Chinese red dates, cranberries, figs, hawthorn, goji berries, red raisins, and rose buds), and nuts and seeds (e.g. pecan, pistachios, hazel, pumpkin seeds, white sesame, and linseed). Customers can also tailor their muesli or granola according to dietary needs; prices will vary according to the weight of the ingredients.

Every month, one special mix is offered at a discount. For example, Beijing Kiss was created with the intent to introduce muesli to the Chinese market but has become a favorite with foreigners instead, due to its ingredients such as goji berries, longan, Chinese red dates, and others, to give it a local twist.

Orders can be made through the website, by email, by phone, or in person. Orders are delivered by kuaidi for a fee of RMB 10 regardless of distance. Most muesli orders can be delivered within one or two days, while granola requires an extra day to allow for baking time.

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beijingkids 2014 December

photos: Serena Xu

Miss Muesli 燕麦小姐 Tue-Fri 3-8pm, Sat-Sun 11am-6pm. 42 Xiguan Hutong, Dongcheng District (188 0116 8480, missmueslibeijing@gmail. com) www.missmueslibeijing.com 东城区细管胡同42号

BIRTHDAY BASH LIVING

Ice, Ice, Baby DCB offers a wintry birthday option

by Nimo Wanjau, photos courtesy of DCB and by Dave PiXSTUDIO

D

ulwich College Beijing (DCB) established Dulwich Community Programmes (DCP) in 2012 at the school’s Legend Gardens campus to offer after-school sports and activities for the whole Beijing community. The seasonal programs include summer and winter camps, sports, science, music, drama, and dance for kids of all ages.

Last year, DCB unveiled an outdoor skating rink available to the public and DCP students aged 7-18. From November to mid-March, DCP programs like figure skating, synchronized team skating, basic skating lessons, and ice hockey take place at the skating rink. The latter covers an area of nearly 800sqm and can comfortably fit around 50 people.

The rink is open to the public on weekends and can also be rented in its entirety for RMB 800 per hour or half the space for RMB 400, including skates. All visitors – including adults – must bring their own helmets and pads or they won’t be allowed on the rink. These were available for rent last year, but the school revised its policy when most weren’t returned. For those who want to play hockey, there are a few sticks and pucks available for rent.

Birthday revelers may also book the small or large private rooms in the warm, parent-run Coffee and Books cafe in the Sports Dome for RMB 100. DCB has plans to build a clubhouse for multi-purpose use, but this won’t be ready till February 2015. Decorations, the birthday cake, and drinks are not provided, but the school can arrange for an ayi to clean up for RMB 15 per hour.

The ice rink can only be rented on weekday evenings from 7pm to 9pm and any time on weekends when school is in session. In the evening, fairy lights will be switched on for the duration of the party.

Use of the nearby playground is free. Parents can also request to set up their own birthday decorations outdoors.

DCB can also arrange an ice skating coach for up to 20 children for RMB 400 per hour; this can be tailored to party requirements. The coach is Swedish-born Camilla Ojansivu, the DCP and sports facilities manager, a former competitive figure skater with coaching certifications from the International Skating Institute Asia (and Mrs. Claus for beijingkids’ annual Santa on Ice event). Birthday boys and girls who want to play a bit of hockey can also talk to Coach Curtis Dracz, the co-commissioner of the Beijing International Ice Hockey League.

DCB Skating Rink One-time fee: RMB 50 (includes skates). Sat 3.30-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm (public skating hours). Legend Garden Villas, 89 Capital Airport Road, Shunyi (6454 9150, DCP@dulwich-beijing. cn) www.dulwich-beijing.cn 顺义区首都机场路89号丽京花园德 威国际学校

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Liz Life like a Queen Liz Semperio gets decorative

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Liz Smperio puts the finishing touches to Xiaomi’s Christmas tree beijingkids 2014 December

photos: Sui and Joey Guo

text by Aisling O’Brien

Indulge LIVING

Get the Look:

1

Du lightens Semperio’s all-over base color to a dark golden blonde and mingles it with golden blonde highlights.

v

Fu is booked for another appointment, so we use an unorthodox running order: color, makeup, then cut. Fu smoothes moisturizer over the skin before brushing liquid foundation all over and following with a dusting of translucent powder. She finishes the skin with red cream blush to the cheekbones and highlighter under each eye. She applies warm taupe on the eye lids, and a warm medium brown to rim the lashes. After brushing on mascara, she uses an eyelash curling wand to open up Semperio’s eyes. Three products are used on the brows: a felt tip brow liner to outline, pencil to fill, and brow gel to finish. Finally, Fu lines the upper lashes with liquid eyeliner and daubs on a red lipstick.

Semperio before

L

iz Semperio met her Mexican husband Jose in the US. They moved to Beijing two years ago for his work with diesel engine manufacturer Cummins. Semperio is a mom of three: Cecilia (age 3), and twins Isabelle and Jose Luis (15 months). Being a stay-at-home parent of twins has been challenging, and Semperio is thankful to have a great ayi. An active participant in the Bumps 2 Babes parent and child networking group, Semperio participates in their Wednesday Chaoyang meetings, and finds the group invaluable for meeting other moms and getting settled in Beijing.

Xiaomi Salon Creative Director Emma Du examines Semperio’s thick, wavy, medium-coarse, shoulder-length hair and decides it’s time to lighten up and try a bob. Semperio is eager to experiment with shorter length for manageability, but fears that too severe a cut can look harsh. Freelance Makeup Artist Melilim Fu has planned a soft, glamorous palette designed with a natural and elegant look in mind.

She is impressed by Semperio’s even, blemish-free skin. “I didn’t know I had great skin before today,” Semperio says.

Post-transformation, Semperio is wowed. “My eyes look completely different,” she says. Although she likes her hair color and cut for the shoot, she doubts she will style her hair as bouffant as this for everyday wear. As a parting gift, Salon Manager Vivian Sun offers Semperio a free follow-up Kerastase conditioning treatment.

Makeup List • Chanel Hydramax+ Active Moisture Mask • RMK Liquid Foundation • Becca Blotting Powder Perfector translucent powder • Burberry Complete Eye Palette in Dark Spice • Giorgio Armani Blushing Fabric in Scarlatto • Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat • Lancôme Hypnôse Star Mascara • Kanebo Liquid Media brow liner • Koji Dolly Wink brow pencil in brown • Kiss Me brow gel in neutral • Koji Dolly Wink Liquid Eyeliner in black • Chanel Rouge Coco Shine in Esprit

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Semperio’s hair is rinsed, and her wet hair is smeared with leave-in Kerastase conditioning serum and L’Oreal Mythic Oil. Du slices away the length, layering and feathering to reduce weight, before blow-drying with a barrel brush to produce a sleek and bouncy bob, with more than enough length remaining to make Semperio happy.

Xiaomi Salon 小米沙龙 Daily 10am-9.30pm. Shop 8-3/8-8, Left Bank, Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (5905 1800) 朝阳公园南路6号蓝色港湾8-3/8-8店铺

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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.

Skin Deep

B

rrr! Winter is here; that means skating, skiing, and hot pot but also dry, itchy skin. Here are some simple suggestions for ensuring that your skin looks less like an alligator’s. Let’s begin with what you can do at home: Lower the heat and use a humidifier. Choose a humidifier with a mechanical system like discs and fans, as these are the cleanest. If you have an ultrasonic humidifier, use distilled water to prevent impurities from being propelled into the air. Regardless of the type of humidifier you choose, wash and disinfect the device regularly. Keep humidity levels below 55 percent to prevent mold from growing. Buy a humidifier that can tell you the humidity level or get a hygrometer.

Take shorter showers. Not only do long, hot showers and baths use up a lot of water, they also dry out your skin; if possible, three-minute showers are ideal. Water in Beijing is very hard and can be quite harsh on the skin.

Be cautious about the washing products you buy for your family. Avoid sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate in shampoos and body washes; these surfactants can dry out and irritate sensitive skin.

Exfoliate regularly. I use a natural loofah before showering; this process is called dry skin brushing and has many health benefits aside from getting rid of dead skin cells.

Choose natural moisturizers. These include almond and jojoba oils, and shea and cocoa butters. The best time to moisturize is right after a shower when your skin is still a little damp.

“To avoid dry skin, the body must strike a balance” To avoid dry skin, the body must strike a balance between oils and moisture. Here’s what you can do to keep your skin healthy from the inside out: Drink plenty of water. The average adult needs approximately 2L of water a day in climates less dry than ours. Being optimally hydrated has many other health benefits. If you suspect you’re not drinking enough water, slowly increase your intake and see how you feel.

Consume a lot of foods containing essential fatty acids.

These good fats are necessary for keeping skin supple. Two spoonfuls of flaxseed oil a day provides a good dose of omega 3 oils, which also have anti-inflammatory properties. Other good fats include extra-virgin olive oil, coconut oil, and avocados.

Get enough Vitamin A. Deficiency can cause dryness and flakiness. The body naturally produces Vitamin A from betacarotene, so try adding fruits or vegetables with its distinctive orange or yellow color; pumpkins, squash, apricots, cantaloupes, and peaches. Leafy greens are also very good sources, especially spinach and kale.

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beijingkids 2014 December

Doctor’s Orders

HEALTH

Need more info?

Dr. Dorothy Dexter is a family medicine physician at Beijing United Family Hospital.

She has several years of clinical experience, and speaks English and Spanish. Contact her at dorothy.dexter@ufh.com.cn.

Does My Kid Need Antiobiotics?

W

hen my daughter Isabella got her first runny nose at 3 months, my instinct as a mother was to freak out despite being a doctor. We tend to be overprotective and worry more than is necessary when it comes to our kids. So I asked myself the four questions I usually ask my patients: Is my child eating normally? Is she still playing? Does she have a fever? What’s her respiratory rate?

The answers instantly calmed my anxiety. Isabella’s runny nose didn’t dampen her enthusiasm for playing or eating. Her temperature was normal. Her breath rate fell within normal limits. Salt water worked wonderfully to rinse out her nose; she even seemed to like the flavor. Breastfeeding alone was enough to clear away all the mucus, and she was able to breathe easier after meal times.

When she developed a cough after a week, I decided it was time to take her to see a colleague. Many times parents automatically assume antibiotics are warranted, and often doctors give in even if they aren’t convinced they are necessary. This doctor pointed out the same four things I’d determined earlier: Isabella didn’t have a fever, she was playing, she was eating normally, and she was breathing easily. In other words, she didn’t need antibiotics.

“We tend to be overprotective and worry more than is necessary when it comes to our kids” According to National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK, parents should take their child to see the doctor for any upper respiratory infection. The doctor will usually ask questions, perform a physical checkup, and establish your child’s medical history. The physician may diagnose your child with one of the following most common conditions: an acute ear inflammation, a sore throat, or a common cold.

Make sure your child gets plenty of rest, drinks lots of water, eats abundant fruits and vegetables, and has their nose rinsed out with salt water whenever necessary. Avoid abrupt changes in temperature, because this may weaken the immune system. Closely observe your child for several days to ensure their condition is improving and no complications are present. If that’s the case, no antibiotics are necessary.

A cough is a common symptom and can last up to three weeks; it’s your lungs’ way of protecting themselves from upper airway secretions and clearing them out. Avoid over-the-counter cough suppressants and cold medicines for children, especially if they are younger than 6. They’re unlikely to help while also reducing the body’s natural airway-clearing reflexes.

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Snug as a Bug Take a magic carpet ride at The Rug

by Yvette Ferrari

photos: serena xu

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Kaelyn Hepburn (age 6) digs2014 intoThe Rug’s spaghetti bolognese beijingkids December

Dining Out DINING

Crispy chicken strips with ketchup

Kid-sized spaghetti bolognese

A

s one of the pioneers of Beijing’s fledging organic industry, The Rug’s original Chaoyang Park location was known for its fresh-squeezed juices, coffee, and organic produce.

While the Chaoyang Park location was designed with kids in mind, the chic second branch in Sanlitun places the same value on freshness while offering a more convenient location for families living in the area.

With a minimalistic design, the two-story space has an overall modern feel. Long wooden tables, exposed pipes, contemporary lighting, private glass-fronted dining rooms upstairs, and two bars serving wine, coffee, and juice make up the restaurant. On the first level, adjacent to the sliding-glass-door entrance is a spacious dining area with large and colorful wooden tables – ideal for families. Leather loveseats and low chairs surround the tables and come with plenty of plush pillows.

Our model, Kaelyn Hepburn (age 6), puts the pillows to good use as a booster seat.

While we wait for Kaelyn’s food to arrive, she teaches the grown-ups how to play iPad games and shows off her impressive drawing skills, narrating us a story for each picture. Though Kaelyn is a dual citizen of the US and the Philippines, she was born in Beijing and speaks fluent putonghua. Dad Kevin Hepburn explains that Kaelyn attends the international department of Jincheng Primary School but spent the majority of her schooling as the sole laowai in class.

When the food arrives, it’s clear that Kaelyn brings an appetite to the table. Though she takes her time eating, she manages to polish off both the crispy chicken strips breaded in shredded almonds (RMB 29) and homemade spaghetti bolognese (RMB 25). Both meals are kid-sized versions of regular dishes. Kaelyn also tries two drinks: fresh-

Sumo eggs benedict with OJ, and apple and carrot juice

squeezed orange juice (RMB 38) and apple carrot (RMB 42). “I like the spaghetti and chicken,” she informs us between bites.

The adults at the table also try a few dishes, notably the avocado lover’s hash brown (RMB 82) and Elvis peanut butter French toast (RMB 88). The hash browns come crisp on the outside with a whole avocado sliced on top of a sunny side up egg as well as a thick slice of bacon. As Kaelyn’s dad puts it, the French toast falls firmly into the “guilty pleasure” column. The Rug’s version of the King’s favorite dish is served with homemade creamy peanut butter and maple syrup.

Wait staff at The Rug is friendly and attentive throughout our visit, paying special attention to the needs of our youngest diner.

Family-friendly facilities: Highchairs are available upon request for families with younger children. Smoking is prohibited throughout the restaurant except for a single, sealed-off room on the second floor. There is no bathroom onsite, so customers must use one of the clean public bathrooms in the building. There are two; the one closest to the restaurant only has squat toilets. To find the one with western toilets, exit The Rug into the building, turn right, and follow the red footprints on the floor. Toilet paper is provided, but changing tables are not.

The Rug Sanlitun Mon-Fri 10.30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-10pm. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6507 2307) 朝阳区工体北路4 号机电研究院内

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DINING Seasonal Roundup

A Feast for the Senses Where to find all those Christmas goodies

by Sally Wilson

M

ention roast chestnuts, a savory smoked ham, or the warming glow from a glass of mulled wine, and you’re bound to evoke Christmas memories any time of the year. Different countries have their own traditional festive foods, and many seasonal treats have thankfully traveled further than their country of origin.

Luckily for us, many of these gourmet goodies can be savored right here in Beijing this Christmas.

Turkey and Ham

The practice of serving large, stuffed fowl for Christmas has been going on for centuries; peacocks, swans, geese, and turkeys all fit the bill at some point in history. Turkeys were introduced to Europe in the 16th century, but for many years, these “exotic” birds only graced the tables of the wealthy.

Working-class English Victorian families like the Cratchits in Charles Dickens’ Christmas Carol would cook goose instead. In America, wild and plentiful turkey was the natural choice for a Christmas feast.

A Christmas or Yule ham is a traditional dish associated with the modern version of Christmas. The ham is cured and sometimes smoked, and is baked either in the oven or boiled. In Nordic countries, it is traditionally coated with a layer of mustard mixed with eggs, then breaded with breadcrumbs.

Where to buy? Beijing’s international supermarkets and butchers will have turkeys and hams for sale throughout December. Most turkeys will be imported and sold frozen. Prices for turkeys range from RMB 49-78 per kilo. Hams are sold boned or boneless, and prices vary according to the type of ham. Be sure to order any meats super early. The usual suspects include April Gourmet, Baode Home Delivery, BHG Market Place, Boucherie Michel, City Shop, Jenny Lou’s, Jenny Wang’s, Schindler’s Food Center, and TooToo Organic Farm.

Spiced Wine

Where to buy? Ikea sell bottles of Swedish-style glögg. Most international supermarkets sell all the spices you need for mulling wine yourself. For a homemade version, see our recipe on p55.

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beijingkids 2014 December

photoS: Stone soup and rpavich (flickr)

Mulled wine is a beverage served hot or warm, usually made with red wine and various mulling spices such as cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon or mace. Any kind of wine may be mulled, but port and claret were traditionally used in England.

Glühwein (“glow-wine,” from the hot irons once used for mulling) is popular in German-speaking countries. It’s prepared from red wine, heated and spiced with cinnamon sticks, cloves, star aniseed, citrus, and sugar.

A similar concoction amongst the Nordic countries is Norwegian and Danish gløgg, Swedish and Icelandic glögg, and Finnish glögi. The main ingredients are red wine, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and bitter orange. It may also include the optional addition of stronger spirits such as vodka, akvavit, or brandy.

Cakes, Breads, and Puddings

Of French origin, buche de Noel (Yule log) is one of many traditional cakes and breads enjoyed at Christmas. Made of thinly-rolled sponge cake filled with jam or cream, the log is then covered in chocolate buttercream and textured to resemble bark.

Panettone is a wonderful Italian egg-enriched bread with sugar, honey, raisins, spices, and candied peel, traditionally gifted at Christmas.

Stollen is a type of sweet bread from Germany traditionally served during the holidays. These yeast cakes are made with wheat flour, white sugar, butter, eggs, dried fruit, and marzipan (almond paste).

Gingerbread and ginger cookies are featured prominently on northern European Christmas tables. There’s debate among historians as to whether the first gingerbread houses appeared as a result of the popular Grimm’s fairy tales or the brothers Grimm were writing about something that already existed. Either way, generations of children have enjoyed helping to bake, construct, and decorate these festive houses.

Originally, British mince pies did indeed include minced meat as well as dried fruits, sugar, and spices. The distinction between mincemeat and mince was drawn in the mid-19th century, when meat began

disappearing from the recipe, leaving the fruit, nut, sugar, spice, and suet product we know today.

Christmas pudding (aka plum pudding) traditionally contained charms such as silver coins, symbolizing good luck for the New Year.

The name “plum” originally referred to a prune but came to mean any dried fruit. The Christmas pudding in its current form has been more or less established since the 19th century.

Where to buy? You’ll find panetonne in most of the international supermarkets, including April Gourmet, BHG Market Place, City Shop, DD Supermarket, Jenny Lou’s, and Jenny Wang’s.

Comptoirs de France has panetonne, yule logs, and gingerbread.

Costa Coffee, Paris Baguette, Starbucks, and Tous le Jours are already serving up some festive cakes and desserts. Ikea sells frozen blocks of gingerbread dough, so you can make your own cookies (using Ikea’s festive cookie cutters, of course). The Swedish chain also sells tins of ginger cookies and marshmallow snowmen.

For stollen, Christmas cakes, and Christmas puddings, head to City Shop and Kempi Deli, and for mince pies you can’t beat The Paddington Kitchen.

photos: Simon law, benjamin thomas (flickr)

Catering and Dining Out

For those who want to enjoy all the trappings of Christmas dinner in the comfort of their own home without having to stuff a turkey or boil a single sprout, there are at least two places that will happily do all the hard work for you: Culinary Capers: The complete cooked turkey meal includes stuffing, gravy, seasonal vegetables, and desserts. You can also buy an uncooked turkey to roast yourself (gravy included).

Village Café: Pre-order all your Christmas delicacies and pick them up from the Village Café, they’ll have them ready for your oven or piping hot ready to serve. Whole turkeys, deluxe hams, smoked salmon, apple pie, Christmas cake, Christmas stolen, and many more delights. Order at least four days prior to the intended pick-up date. A 50 percent deposit is required at the time of order.

Throughout the holidays, many restaurants and hotels will be serving up festive feasts around town. From a Christmas Eve banquet to a Boxing Day brunch, most hotels will provide entertainment and activities for the kids, leaving the adults to sit back and enjoy a very Merry Christmas.

Stay up-to-date on our website at www.beijing-kids.com.

December 2014 beijingkids

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PLAYING What’s Fun In

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beijingkids 2014 December

photo: Nimo Wanjau

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December 2014 beijingkids

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Cricket Brynn and trainer Alden Liu mug Yunjing for in thehiscamera courtyard home

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beijingkids 2014 December

around to see the animals. Feng takes the lead as Liu stands aside and watches with the ease of someone who is used to having his house discussed in detail.

We head back to the house, where Liu’s wife sits in a rocking chair reading the newspaper. She looks up and nods towards a pot of green tea, then returns to her newspaper. There are also soft drinks available for a fee. The house has a western-style bathroom that visitors can use and is heated with an air conditioner unit.

No longer able to contain his curiosity, Liu looks at me and asks which country I’m from. I respond “Kenya” in Chinese, to which he gives thumbs up and nods in approval. He says he watched a special on wild animals on TV. The television in question is a 42-inch flat screen affair that stands out against the otherwise traditionally-furnished home.

Liu’s crickets interrupt our conversation with loud chirping, as if to remind us they are the tour’s star attractions. As he pours more tea, our host starts to recount the history of cricket fighting.

During the Tang Dynasty (618-907) fighting was a nobleman’s hobby and trainers held a position of prestige at the imperial court. Nowadays, the practice has both officially-sanctioned and underground versions.

The official form is limited to annual competitions, with the winning cricket trainer awarded a certificate. The underground version involves illegal gambling with bets in the hundreds of thousands of renminbi.

Liu shows off an Association for Cricket Fighting certificate from a local competition as well as a scrapbook of the articles he has been featured in over the years. The house is cluttered with keepsakes, including photos with a Norwegian prince, the wife of a former Japanese premier, and the first American couple to visit his house. Digressing a bit, our host moves the teapot aside and shows me photos and currency from around the world sandwiched between the glass topper

photo: Mitchell PE Masilun

estled in the hutongs around the Drum and Bell Towers, a courtyard bustles with the cooing of pigeons, the chirping of swallows, a soft bark from Mao Mao the Pekingese dog, and an entreaty in Chinese to “he pijiu lai” (“come drink alcohol”) from a raucous mynah bird.

The siheyuan belongs to Liu Yunjing, a 65-year-old cricket trainer who has lived in the same house with his wife for over 40 years. I get the chance to visit him as part of Bespoke Beijing’s long-running Cricket Trainer Tour. My guide is Frank Feng, a beijingren who has been working with the company for nearly seven years. Though the popularity of cricket fighting has waned over the decades, the sport still has a niche community here.

Feng picks me up at the Shichahai (什刹海) subway station, exit A. We cross Di’anmen Waidajie heading east, then turn right into Fangzhuangchang Hutong. Feng points out the area’s different architecture styles, shops, and recent developments in the area. When we reach the end of the hutong, we turn left on Nanxiawazi Hutong, walk about 50m and turn right. Liu’s house is the first door on the right. As we cross the threshold, Feng points out a sigua plant; the vegetable’s fibrous, fully mature form is used as a natural bath loofah.

We find ourselves face-to-face with a smiling Liu, who nods at us and reveals an uneven set of yellowed teeth. He darts around the corner to feed the chickens before coming back to say a proper hello. One of the birds chimes “nihao,” accustomed to the visitors who have been coming to Liu’s home for nearly 20 years. Liu has collected crickets since he was a boy, expanding his menagerie over time to include other animals.

Feng acts as the translator and cultural interpreter for the visit, as Liu doesn’t speak any English. Before heading inside, the men take me

What’s Fun In PLAYING

The talking mynah bird

photos: courtesy of bespoke Beijing and mitchell pe masilun

Cricket training and maintenance tools

and the table. He waves to hangings and a Chairman Mao portrait on the wall.

In Chinese culture, crickets are considered a good luck charm. In the past, they held as much value as a horse as a form of compensation. The worth of a good cricket in modern currency can start at RMB 10,000. Though Liu only spends a few hundred kuai on his insects, he lavishes on them a diet of lamb intestine, soybean, fish, ginseng-infused water, and before fights a type of mushroom called the Chinese caterpillar fungus.

Like members of a secret society, cricket trainers are notoriously secretive about their training methods. Liu is no different, but he doesn’t mind showing off his equipment. He brings out a wooden box containing a tool kit and begins to assemble what looks like a scale.

“Would you like to guess what this is?” he asks, holding up a small semi-circular ceramic box. He opens the lid and says with a grin, “This is their bedroom.”

Liu gets a pair of crickets from a large ceramic bowl, places them in the box, and tells us to wait. As if on cue, the crickets move towards the dark sanctuary and disappear from sight.

He then picks up a small scoop and a cotton-tipped metallic stick, and explains that these used to handle the crickets. Grabbing the insects with fingers can cause injury or even amputation to the fragile legs. Liu picks up a five-bristled brush and tells me to guess what the bristles are made of. When I look stumped, Feng replies: “Mouse whiskers.”

Cricket fights only happen once a year in fall for 20 days. Just before a fight, the cricket is provoked with the brush. Unlike more violent sports like dog fighting, cricket fighting consists of getting the opponent to retreat by having your contender flap its wings. More aggressive fights might end with a lost incisor, leg, or both.

Alden gets at thecrickets wheel Liu handles one aofturn his prize

Like boxers, the crickets are divided according to weight class; that’s where the scale comes in. “Nowadays people use electronic versions but I still prefer the older versions,” says Liu. He takes out a ceramic bowl and a clear plastic container that looks like a mini-football stadium; these are the “arenas” that cricket fights take place in. If one of his prized crickets dies, Liu buries them in a miniature wooden coffin specially handcrafted by a handful of artisans – a disappearing art.

It’s now time to feed the pigeons. As soon as Liu steps outside, there’s a flurry of flapping, cooing, and chirping. We bid the couple goodbye and head out; Feng promises to come back to have a drink with Liu soon.

In the area, there are several restaurants for families to refuel at.

Head north around the Drum and Bell Towers for Korean-Mexican fusion at Palms or Yunnan cuisine at Hani Gejiu. Just west on Jiugulou Dajie, there’s also Café Sambal for Malaysian or Le Little Saigon for Vietnamese. Further east on Andingmen Neidajie, there’s Xianlaoman for dumplings. For a cuppa, head to Cafe Zarah or Café Alba on Gulou Dongdajie.

Bespoke Beijing 必思博北京 Bespoke Beijing is a long-running boutique travel company that offers fully-customizable tours around Beijing.

Daily 8am-5pm. Rm 510, Tower B, Tianhai Commercial Building, 107 Dongsi Beidajie, Dongcheng District (6400 0133, info@ bespoke-beijing.com) www.bespoke-beijing.com 东城区东四北 大街107号天海商务大厦B座510室

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Ait Ben Haddou

In front of an ornamented doorway in Fes

Moroccan Good Times

Roman ruins in Volubilis

The Keoghs rock the kasbah

by Ilaria Keogh

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beijingkids 2014 December

The Keoghs’ Berber host

photos: courtesy of Ilaria Keogh

Travelers: Michael and Ilaria Keogh and their three children: Owen (age 13), Caroline (10), and Patrick (6).

Destination: Morocco Travel dates: June-July 2014 Travel plans: Ilaria planned the entire holiday independently.

The Keoghs flew to Morocco from Italy, where they always spend their summers. Flying with Royal Air Maroc to Casablanca, they transferred immediately by private transport to Meknes around 230km away. After touring Meknes and the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, they drove to Fes. Next on the itinerary were Erg Chebbi and a Sahara tour, followed by Ourzazate, Ait Ben Haddou, and finally Marrakech. They spent a total of nine days and eight nights in Morocco.

Cost: Flights from Milan to Casablanca returning from Marrakech to Milan cost RMB 10,800 for two adults and three children. Hotel accommodation came to RMB 8,600. The car and driver also came to RMB 8,600 for seven days. Food and spending money came to around RMB 7,300.

FAMILY TRAVELS PLAYING

Clockwise from back left: Michael, Owen (age 13), Ilaria, Caroline (10), and Patrick (6)

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e are always excited to explore new countries and Morocco was no different; we tried to see as much as possible. It’s our travel philosophy: we assume we will never go back, so the pace can be pretty intense!

In just nine days, we saw three of the imperial cities of Morocco: Meknes, Fes, and Marrakesh. We skipped Rabat, the capital, as we had been told it is a bit underwhelming. We saw madrasa (Islamic colleges) in Marrakesh and Fes, the tanneries in Fes, ancient Roman ruins in Volubilis, the Sahara Desert and its dunes, the Dades Gorge, and the kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou – a UNESCO World Heritage Site where movies such as Gladiator and Prince of Persia were filmed.

Seeing the Sahara is worth the long, full-day drive. We were surprised to find aquatic fossils there, including seashells, turtle shells, and animal skeletons. Exploring, running, and playing in the dunes was exciting for all of us. While we were at Erg Chebbi, our youngest son Patrick turned 6, and the hotel owners surprised us by making a big production of his birthday. They sang songs, drummed while dressed up in traditional costumes, and brought a cake and a candle. It was such a sweet gesture and a truly memorable birthday for him – doubly so since we were told they don’t really celebrate birthdays in Morocco.

In the souk (market) at Ait Ben Haddou, we bought an old shutter.

Having negotiated the price, the seller realized we were going to pay with a credit card and began asking for more money. After further negotiation he asked for something other than money, something American; my husband Michael gave him his “American Eagle” shirt and walked the streets back to the car shirtless holding an old Moroccan door over his head!

Other highlights were enjoying Moroccan mint tea with a gracious Berber host in his tent, sharing the narrow winding streets with don-

keys, finding a chameleon, encountering wild Barbary macaques on the side of the road while driving through the High Atlas Mountains, and dining on the roof of our guesthouse with views over the medina (old city). There are too many highlights to choose from; we loved everything about Morocco!

Travel Tips If you want to travel independently, you have to do your research.

I used a combination of online reviews and information, and guidebooks such as Lonely Planet and The Rough Guide. Most people know that Trip Advisor reviews are always useful to read before booking hotels, but I was also able to find our car and driver online.

Be prepared to wait. Clearing the airport at Casablanca can be a lengthy process. It took almost two hours to go through customs, get our baggage, and get out of the airport.

Avoid traveling during Ramadan if possible. Even though it only overlapped with the last three days of our trip, it had a negative impact; our driver was in a foul mood all day and even service at five star hotels was not up to par.

Riads are traditional Moroccan houses in the medinas. Many are renovated as private guesthouses with interior gardens and courtyards, rooftop terraces, hamams, and pools. I recommend staying in these over big hotels. They also often have family rooms, and we always managed to fit in one room.

Nights can still be chilly, even in summer, while it is incredibly hot in the Sahara. Make sure to pack appropriately.

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A Home Away from Home A day in the life of a resident student at Keystone Academy

by Yvette Ferrari

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View across the lawn on Keystone’s campus

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photos: Serena xu

ourteen-year-old Jacky Liang isn’t your average student. The articulate and well-mannered Beijinger seems more like a college student rather than a middle schooler. But given the fact that Liang began boarding at only 18 months of age, his calm demeanor and grown-up composure makes sense.

His older brother, now 18, also went to boarding school in Beijing and currently attends university in Colorado. The younger Liang shares similar aspirations to go abroad and got his first taste of the West in 2011, when he got to study in Los Angeles for ten months with his old boarding school.

Liang is currently in Grade 9 at newly-opened Keystone Academy, joining the ranks of the first group of students to take part in the school’s boarding and residential program. We sit down with Liang and his mom, Maggie Ma, to learn more about life as a boarding student.

schooled LEARNING How did your parents share the news with you about going to Keystone?

I actually found out about Keystone through beijingkids! I was reading an issue last year and Keystone had a 3D image on the back cover. It said, “A new world school and a new model of education in China.” I did research and was actually the one who presented the idea of going to Keystone to my parents. My mom said, “You’re already 14 years old and you should have the ability to judge and decide for your own life.”

So they said, “Off you go!”

How do you liking boarding school life?

I enjoy boarding school. I haven’t considered what it would be like to go to a day school because I’m totally used to this lifestyle. When I studied abroad with my former boarding school, we didn’t do a home stay; the school rented apartments for us.

But at Keystone, we’re really like a family. My advisor, Mrs. Juli James, told me on the first day, “I am your Keystone mom.” The food is pretty nice. We have both western and Chinese cuisine and one of the special things we’ve started is community dinner. The teachers, their children, and all the residents come down to the first floor, set the table, and have dinner together every few weeks.

What’s your roommate like?

My roommate really likes computer science and is very technical. He’s also really into robotics. Though my brother and I had rooms beside each other at home, we never shared a room. You learn a lot from sharing a room with someone because we all have different potential and things we’re good at.

What’s a typical day like for you?

I usually get up around 7am and go downstairs for breakfast, followed by a morning meeting at 8am, which is when the middle school gathers for announcements. Every day, one teacher hosts the meeting.

We have three periods between morning meeting and [snack] break.

Afterwards we have another two classes and take lunch from 12.15pm to 1pm. After afternoon classes, the day ends officially at about 3.15pm for day students.

For boarders, we stay in the school until lights out, which is at 10.15pm for Grade 9 students and 10pm for Grade 6, 7, and 8. During the week, we have KAP (Keystone Activities Program) which can include anything from sports, art, and social skills to leadership and community service. I do community service and table tennis Monday and Friday.

Next semester, I plan to join MUN [Model United Nations].

On Wednesdays we’re on a slightly different schedule because we go to our advisory group. This year, our advisory group is made of three people including me. We sit together in Mrs. James’ office and talk about problems, good news, or bad news. On Wednesdays, our day ends at 2.40pm and if you have KAP, you go, but if you don’t there’s a program called Wednesday Night Out. You can get out of school from 2.40pm until 7pm if your parents are come to school and take you out for dinner or shopping.

What are some of the advantages of attending boarding school?

Learning time management, especially when you get to middle or high school. You need to seize the day because there will not be a teacher holding your hand. You need a watch [motions to wrist] and you need to watch your time and manage it carefully. You cannot spend study hours playing games and start your work at midnight. Another advantage is life skills, like doing laundry. If I don’t go home for the weekend, I need to do my own laundry.

“I actually found out about Keystone through beijingkids!”

What are some of the disadvantages?

Getting homesick is the biggest disadvantage. I’ve seen a lot of kids who struggle at boarding school because they miss their mom and dad. When I was in Los Angeles, I used Skype to talk with my family every week. Until now, not one student on my floor has been homesick.

I find it really amazing. We’re all big boys now. One thing I’ve heard from some parents is that they’re afraid to send their kid to boarding school because they worry about growing apart. I know a few examples of students coming to boarding school who say their relationship with family has changed, but it hasn’t happened to me.

How does being away from home affect you on a daily basis?

It’s made me more independent, especially when it comes to time management and social relationships. If you’re having trouble with a friend, the best choice isn’t to pick up the phone and call your parents because they can’t drive to school and solve your problem; you need to figure it out on your own. Independence is what has shaped me today. My relationship with my family is still really good and we’re still close. I go home every two weeks and we talk to each other once or twice during the week.

What is your relationship with your dorm parents like?

Dorm parents are in charge of making sure your relationship with all the dorm members are alright, that you’re involved in dorm activities, that you go to bed on time – that you’re doing the right things at the right time, basically. But if they catch you playing games, you’re probably in trouble. I’m on really good terms with my two dorm parents, Mr. Yang and Mr. Weight. Every day, they check our room at 7pm and see if the floor is clean, if you made your bed, and if your desk is tidy. My room was selected as one of the best rooms on the floor; in fact, the admissions team shows my room on tours.

What do you do for fun after class?

We watch movies in the Keystone Cinema on Fridays and weekends. Teachers plan different trips for us; recently we went to The Great Wall. On Saturdays, a bunch of [us] go to Roundabout and volunteer. We also go on shopping trips to Euro Plaza and Pinnacle Plaza and to parks like the Summer Palace or Beihai Park. We have activities every weekend if you don’t go home.

What’s it like when you visit home?

I go home every two weeks and my family lives about 25 minutes away. It doesn’t make a big difference to me because being away is normal already. What I’ve found is that even students who are new to boarding begin to call their parents and say they don’t want to go home for the weekend. They want to stay with the school and do activities.

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How is boarding school preparing you for the future?

I would definitely like to attend university in the States, the UK, or Australia. I might study cultural anthropology or politics or marketing.

When you go to university abroad, you’re far from home. If you stay at a boarding school, you have the experience of not being with your parents. They can’t help you, so you need to be the master of your fate.

You need to control your time, finances, relationships, and academics.

Boarding school really prepares you to be a college student.

What advice would you give other teens who might attend a boarding school?

Don’t be too wild or out-of-control. Sometimes new students experience suddenly having freedom and they have no idea how to use their time and just go crazy gaming until 2am. You can choose to sleep at that time and perhaps no one will find out, but in the morning you’ll be hurting. I would encourage other boys to join a boarding school because you’ll really know how it feels to be yourself without a parent’s guidance. I can choose not to eat dinner tonight if I’m not hungry, I can come home for lunch, grab something and take a shower if I want, and you can reach home really quickly. It’s really convenient.

The common area of the student residence

Maggie, what made you decide to send Jacky to boarding school?

The reason I sent both my sons to boarding school is for them to study abroad in the future. A boarding environment is good for learning life skills and preparing for life at university.

What are some of the unique aspects of Keystone compared to other boarding schools in China?

Jacky’s last school was more focused on Chinese educational philosophies and I was looking for a more western school with elements of Chinese culture and philosophy. Based on my research, I believe Keystone was the best choice in Beijing and in China.

Liang’s shared dorm room

How has the adjustment been to not having your son in the house?

Because Jacky’s older brother also attended boarding school from a young age, I was already very used to this type of lifestyle. Jacky began at boarding kindergarten when he was very young and now I’m confident that he can deal with all kinds of situations. I’ve always been confident in his teachers too. Though I spend a lot of my time studying or doing business, there are always conversations between mother and son. I have heard some parents mention “empty nest syndrome,” but I haven’t experienced it.

How does the family spend time together when Jacky is home?

We talk for hours about what’s happening at school, politics, the economy, and global events. We go out to meet with friends, have family gatherings, or go out for dinner. Also, Jacky has a very interesting hobby of going to the airport and taking photos of airplanes landing and taking off.

How frequently and in what form does the school report on your son’s progress?

Progress report emails come about every two months from Jacky’s advisor and show his progress in academic, social, and residential life.

If there’s a problem, I can communicate with his advisor.

Dinner time at Keystone

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schooled LEARNING

Liang and his mom Maggie Ma outside the dormitory

Can you offer advice to parents who are new to boarding school life?

I’m part of Keystone’s parent WeChat group and I notice that other parents worry way too much. Parents should let their child figure things out on their own so they can learn to become more independent. Parents send their children to boarding school to build character and prepare for university life. If they over-focus on their child, they will not grow up. My advice is to think about the big picture and not worry about the small things, such as when they’re eating dinner or how much they’re using the phone.

Liang’s advisor and Keystone’s Director of Residential Life and Global Initiatives Juli James also takes the time to answer some of our questions about boarding school life.

What is the student relationships like with advisors and dorm parents?

Students at boarding schools tend to develop deeper relationships with their teachers and dorm parents than in a day school setting because you eat, work, and play together. Teachers assume the role of parent, confidante, and supporter. Going out to dinner with a teacher, or enjoying snacks and a movie in your dorm parent’s home allows both student and teacher to see each other in a different, more comfortable light.

Having been an advisor and dorm parent at a US boarding school for 24 years, I consider some of my closest friends today the dorm residents and advisees of years past. It’s hard to adequately explain the bonds that are forged in this environment. I attend my former students’ weddings and celebrate the arrival of their children. These students are like our own children.

Are some children better-suited to attend boarding school than others?

Absolutely. Some students need more guidance and supervision in basic day-to-day living, like with laundry and homework. They must understand and follow detailed dormitory procedures and schedules.

Some Grade 7 students are well-suited for boarding and some Grade 9 students are not.

Students who do well in a boarding setting are organized, independent, and self-reliant. We want our students to stay here on weekends to partake in leadership, service, and social events, so kids who feel they must go home every weekend might not be the best fit for boarding.

What advice can you offer to families that are considering sending their children to boarding school?

Parents should assess their child’s readiness and suitability for boarding.

Is he or she able to manage their own daily schedules and chores? Are they willing to immerse themselves in the life of the community? Can they manage their studies without constant prodding? If a child can live independently away from home, he or she would no doubt grow and blossom in a boarding environment.

When looking at a boarding school, one should assess the warmth and friendliness of the dormitory staff and study the residential life curriculum. Ask yourself, does it foster independence and relationships, or is it simply supervision?

Keystone Academy 10 Anfu Jie, Houshayu, Shunyi District (8049 6088, admission@ keystoneacademy.cn) www.keystoneacademy.cn 顺义区后沙峪 镇安富街10号

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I Want to Be a

Freediver

WAB students hold their breath for Hanli Prinsloo

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South African professional freediver Hanli Prinsloo on WAB’s campus

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photos: ken

hough South Africa n free div er Hanli Prinsloo grew up on a farm eig ht hou rs from the oce an, she had big dre ams of bec om ing a mermaid. By 19, Prinsloo had beg un her pro fession al free divi ng care er and went on to become an 11-time record holder for com pet itive free diving. Today, she is an inspiratio nal spe ake r and founder of I AM WATER, a charitable trust dedicated to oce an con serv atio n.

Recently, Prinsloo visited the We ste rn Aca dem y of Beijing (WAB) to answer questions about the world beneath the waves.

Yvette Ferrari

When I Grow Up LEARNING

“Sometimes it’s the things that happen in our own heads that scare us more than what’s in the ocean”

Erica, 6, US How did you get interested in becoming a freediver?

I met a really good freediver when I was studying, and he asked me if I wanted to try freediving, which I’d never heard of. I swam down and sat at the bottom – it was so peaceful.

From that day on, I knew it was what I wanted to do.

Ernest, 9, US/China Is freediving easy?

It’s easy if you’re doing it the right way. It’s important that you’re very calm and relaxed when you freedive. If you’re nervous and fidgety, it’s hard.

Lucy, 7, US How long can you hold your breath?

Six minutes if I’m just laying still in the water not moving, but when I’m swimming I can usually hold my breath for about three and a half minutes.

Oscar, 10, UK What drives you to go underwater with such high risks?

Curiosity. I love seeing places not many people have seen and meeting different kinds of animals. I’m also curious to explore things other people think are impossible. If people think it’s too dangerous to dive with tiger sharks, I think it’s interesting to dive with them and see if it’s true.

Nou Nou, 9, Singapore Where is your favorite place to dive?

Cape Town because there are so many different kinds of animals. But for blue clean water, I love the Maldives.

Viola, 9, US Do you ever get scared when you go freediving?

One time I was diving deep on a competition dive in Sweden, where the water gets really dark. We always put torches at the bottom of the rope for light at the bottom. When I go down, I close my eyes and this time, when I opened my eyes, it was pitch black and I thought I’d gone blind. I got really scared because I thought something happened and I’d lost my sight. The fact was that the batteries in the torches had stopped working.

When I got to the surface, I realized that sometimes it’s the things that happen in our own heads that scare us more than what’s in the ocean.

Cheyanne, 7, Singapore Why did you start I AM WATER? I started I AM WATER [at a time when] when I had been doing a lot of freediving competitions and world championships. I didn’t feel the competition was really rewarding much anymore. I wanted to share the ocean with other people and that’s why I started I AM WATER in 2010 in South Africa.

Now also have projects in Bermuda, Mozambique, and we’re hoping to start projects in China.

Oskar, 8, Canada, What’s the most unique animal you’ve swam with?

In South Africa, we have the sevengill shark. It’s as old as some dinosaurs, so it’s actually like swimming with a living fossil. The more modern shark has five gills, but the sevengill shark has survived for hundreds of thousands of years.

Ollie, 10, New Zealand Is there a fish that you are really curious to see?

It’s one of my dreams to swim with orcas, or killer whales. I’m also curious to meet belugas, the white whales in Russia and Canada. They’re incredibly gentle and under a lot of threat.

They’re being caught, put in aquariums, and all kinds of things are happening to them.

Jeremy, 7, Malta Over the years, have you noticed the effects of pollution and global warming?

I’ve noticed a lot of pollution. In quite a few places, you go into the water and there are so many beautiful things to see but when you come out, there’s so much rubbish. In Sri Lanka, we found an island covered with nets, plastic bottles, plastic bags, and dead fish and birds stacking it. Global warming is harder to notice sometimes. As the water temperature gets higher, the corals die and I’ve been to some places where the corals are completely dead and don’t have color anymore.

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Students from

Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) fill December’s Blank Canvas Justine Ma, 10, China My picture is of reindeer roaming around in the mountains during winter.

Sarah He, 9, China I like Santa and he will give us many presents. The Christmas tree is for good wishes.

Celina Ren, 9, China I painted this picture because I like winter and mountains! The road is for more people to drive on and see all the beautiful things around them.

Angel Wang, 10, China My favorite holiday is Christmas!

I wish I could have my own house in the forest to see sunrise together with my family.

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BLANK CANVAS LEARNING Sarah Zhang, 10, Canada In winter, it will snow and be Christmas time. There will be presents under the Christmas tree.

Briana Berry, 10, US I painted Minnie Mouse at a party with a pink Santa hat and a colorful background.

Kylee Campbell, 11, Canada This reminds me of my home in Canada. We had the same gray walls and we would make cookies and hot cocoa for ourselves and Santa.

David Yang, 10, China There is a table full of presents beside Santa and a cozy house in the background.

Emily Xu, 10, China Christmas is a jolly holiday; even snowmen and penguins enjoy the season.

Simba Li, 10, China In the new century, Santa Claus has an airplane to bring presents to kids. I don’t think Santa Claus can fly to China with deer, so I want to give him an airplane.

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PARENTING BEIJING BABA

Christmas, Shmistmas Who says you have to go home for the holidays?

by Christopher Lay

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Whatever we do, we’ll do it together Despite my family’s indifference to December holidays, Christmas still holds special meaning for my wife’s family. When we traveled home two years ago after the birth of our boys, we made a point of being with Savvy’s family on Christmas Day. Her extended family gathered at a cousin’s home for a huge fusion feast of “traditional” holiday fare and Cambodian standards like prohok (pickled fish) with fresh vegetables, lemongrass chicken skewers, and stir fried pad siew.

The children ran from room to room, played games, ate too many sweets, and eagerly eyed the piles of presents under the Christmas tree.

Reina enjoyed herself despite only recognizing two of her cousins.

When everyone began opening presents, Savvy and I worried Reina would feel left out since we hadn’t thought to get her a present; we were overwhelmed by caring for her newborn brothers. Our fears were unfounded, as she discovered several presents waiting for her under the tree.

This year, we will stay in Beijing for the December holiday season. Perhaps some friends will invite us over to celebrate with them (hint hint). If not, we’ll take our brood out for a nice dinner – maybe Indian or Korean. Who knows?

Whatever we do, we’ll do it together.

As for another big trip home during the winter holidays… well, once every decade or so is plenty for me. I’d rather wait for the summer and pack fewer clothes.

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.

illustration: crystal liu

s a child, the holiday that really stuck out for me was Thanksgiving. Unlike most families in the USA, Thanksgiving at our house was a time of male bonding. Our mother, no doubt in need of a break from us, would leave town to attend the Oregon Bahá’í Winter School for the four days her husband and three sons had off.

Although I have fond memories of those early days, things really got interesting after my brothers moved out and my father and I were left to our own devices. Neither of us cared much for the traditional turkey; we viewed the holiday as an excuse to dine out and go to the movies.

I can still recall my first experiences with Japanese and Mexican food, fine Italian dining, and my favorite chocolate pudding at King’s Table Buffet. It felt like I was traveling the world through menus and I relished being on that culinary journey with my dad.

When I graduated high school, I began expat life on my own and consequently lacked the funds to take trips home for traditional winter holidays. Instead, I took them in-country with friends, traveling to Bethlehem for Christmas when I lived in Israel, attending midnight mass with the faithful on Christmas Eve as an undergrad in Puerto Rico, and partying on New Year’s Eve in Port-au-Prince with my Haitian classmates.

Since I often visited Oregon in the summertime and high school class reunions coincided with the Fourth of July, my family adopted this period as our annual time of gathering and started our own holiday traditions.

In the home we grew up in, my brothers and I brought together our own families to catch up, swap stories, and grill on the barbecue. These experiences came with all the love and complications of family returning to the nest, but without the hardships of inclement weather, canceled flights, and the burden of packing warm clothing.

After Savvy and I married, we continued to make the annual summer pilgrimage to southern Oregon. Despite the hardships of traveling with three kids, we soldier on in this tradition today. Since ours are the youngest bunch of grandkids and we travel the greatest distance, we get first dibs on staying at the house while my siblings and their progeny must seek accommodations in the town’s various motels.

Alternate Routes PARENTING

White Nights One Beijing family’s way of making the most of rare snow days

by Jennifer Ambrose

I can’t get over how beautiful the Great Wall is draped in white

illustration: crystal liu

H

aving grown up in the part of Pennsylvania that averages 53 inches of snow every winter, I’ve felt snow-starved living in China these past eight years – first in sub-tropical Shenzhen, then in arid Beijing. Sure, I don’t pine away for shoveling snow or brushing off a car on a dark December morning, but I sometimes long for a lovely, fresh blanket of snow outside my window.

My kids, Myles and Brigid, have grown up with a bit of snow envy. Their cousins and friends back home have such exotic experiences as “snow days,” when school is canceled because the snow is too deep for school transportation – but perfect for sledding and building snowmen, of course.

However, there have been occasions when Beijing has allowed us to drop everything for our own kind of snow day. As a homeschooling family, it’s easy to for me to rearrange our day to accommodate two kids who are too distracted by too-rare snow to settle down. Besides, I’m not much in the mood for phonics and fractions when the white stuff is flying either.

The best snow days are those when we’re able to make it out to the Great Wall. In our first year in Beijing, Randy got a chance to experience snow at the Great Wall by escorting work guests to Mutianyu. The following March, we finally got our turn when it snowed steadily one morning. We elected to go to Juyongguan, only a 15-minute drive from our apartment.

Once there, then 7-year-old Myles ticked off all the snowy things he wanted to accomplish at the Great Wall; making snow angels (check) and throwing snowballs at his dad (check). Finding his way to the mounted cannons, Myles stuffed these with snow cannonballs, ready to launch at invaders from the North.

A couple of times over the years, we’ve returned to Juyongguan on snowy days. I can’t get over how beautiful the Great Wall is draped in white, but the kids are mostly concerned with making the most of the snow.

Once, we had a dusting of snow in Changping but heard that an area north of us had quite a bit more. We decided to chase the snow, finding our way to a part of Great Wall in Yanqing County that even on a good day sees few visitors. This particular section is stunning, with fantastic views of the Wall stretching along the valley against the backdrop of the Yanshan Mountains.

We arrived after a cautious drive along twisty mountain highways; we could see definite evidence of heavier snow. Myles and Brigid waited impatiently to be released from the car as we parked.

It was glorious. The crumbly Great Wall was sprinkled with white, a stark contrast against the surrounding landscape. I tried to get the kids’ attention to point out how amazing this was, but they couldn’t hear me over their own laughter. They’d found what they’d been seeking: a mound of snow deep and slippery enough to slide down in their snow pants. While I was excited to see the Great Wall in the snow, Myles and Brigid were just happy to play.

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.

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D

ecember is the most magical, twinkly month in the calendar. With so much generosity in the air, it’s natural to think of giving to others. For this month’s issue, we speak to Beijing youth who are committed to making a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Haven’t decked out your house for the holidays yet? Consider making your own decorations. In a fast-paced world, time spent together is the most precious gift, so our homespun crafts and recipes are designed to be collaborative family projects. This season is traditionally a time for reflection and gratitude, and in this spirit we want to thank our readers, advertisers, contributors, and the entire Beijing community who have made 2014 such a great year for the magazine. Our sincere appreciation and best wishes for you, your family, and your holidays: Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

From left: Deputy Managing Editor Aisling O’Brien, Managing Editor Sijia Chen, Web Editor Nimo Wanjau, and School Editor Yvette Ferrari at Tavola beijingkids 2014 December 42

Visions of Sugar Plums photo by Dave PiXSTUDIO

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Kids, teens, and young adults talk about their volunteering experiences text by Sijia Chen, photos by Dave PiXSTUDIO and Uni You

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beijingkids 2014 December

FEATURES Seth and Fiona Hodges (Roundabout Charity Store) Siblings Seth and Fiona Hodges (ages 13 and 11 respectively) hail from Virginia and have been living in Beijing for two and a half years. Both students at the International School of Beijing, they volunteered at Roundabout’s charity store during their last spring break.

What did you do at Roundabout?

Seth: I sorted board games like Scrabble. There was a jumbo edition that had double all the pieces. I also did a lot of DVDs. Fiona: I sorted dolls and matched them with clothes and shoes, then bundled them up in plastic to be sold in the store. I also sorted crayons and stationary.

How did you find out about the organization?

Fiona: Our mom had been donating our old clothes here, so when my brother’s Bar Mitzvah project came up...

Seth: [I needed] a service project. We looked at some other places, but they were kind of hard to get to, like BEAM [Beijing Education and Mobility] and the Migrant Children’s Foundation. We thought [Roundabout] would be best place because we had to be here every day and it’s a five-minute drive from where we live in River Garden.

Had you done any volunteering before?

Seth: I’ve done some other service projects before. One was at Roundabout with Boy Scouts. We sorted batteries and tested electronics to make sure they worked. Two years ago, on Memorial Day in Virginia, we also went to a cemetery and we had little American flags.

We planted them into the ground next to the tombstones of people who had served in the military.

Fiona: I did Girl Scouts in Taiwan, but we didn’t do much [volunteering].

Were there other kids volunteering?

Fiona: We weren’t in the best conditions for volunteering, ‘cause it was still freezing cold and there was a lot of pollution, so we were wearing our masks. There’s a funny picture where we’re smiling but you can’t tell.

Seth: Sometimes there’d be some hot chocolate in the back so you could make yourself some and continue working. After we were done checking the item, we’d put it in the cart and take it over to pricing so they could decide how much to charge for it. Sometimes in games like Monopoly, there were pieces in plastic bags. You had to sort out the pieces and put them in new, clear bags.

Fiona: Sometimes they’d give me big boxes of crayons and pens. I had [to make] packs of 12, arrange them in rainbow order, package them up, tape them, and label them. These were to go to the migrant children. They have to all be useable, not broken or missing paper labels. It’s someone’s first set of crayons in their life, so the idea is that they look really nice.

You were explaining to me before about missing pieces in the board games.

Seth: One piece missing, it’s OK; you just have to label it. Two pieces missing, it depends.

Fiona: There was a big drawer full of game pieces.

Seth: You could find millions and millions of dice. So if the game was just missing a die, that’s easy to replace and you could just say “one replaced die” [on the label]. Same with kings from chess sets.

What was your favorite thing to do while volunteering?

Seth: I really liked testing the electronics. If it couldn’t turn on, you’d look in the batteries and find some to put in there. There were toys like remote-controlled cars and appliances.

Fiona: I liked to do the dolls. It was taking everybody’s random pieces and putting them together. We had one Barbie, and it was dirty but it had pretty hair. We tried to wash it. It wouldn’t come off. But when we covered it in a long-sleeved shirt and scarf, it looked so much better. So it was turning all these old, broken clothes into new articles of clothing by cutting them or something. That was a cool way to re-use things.

What was the most challenging part?

Seth: Sometimes you just had to use common sense to determine whether [a toy] was worth it or not. And that can be challenging. There was an element of thinking “Would I buy this game? Would someone walking through the store buy this game or this DVD or this Barbie?”

Fiona: At first the most challenging part was the whole system of packaging, labeling, and pricing. What if I put something into the wrong bucket and it goes to the store instead of the migrant children? What if it gets priced wrong because I put it in the wrong basket?

In the end, what did you like the most about this experience?

Seth: I liked the fact that I was giving this item a better chance to sell, which meant it was more likely that a charity would get funded. You can ask for a lot of donations, but at some point people stop giving.

This is another way to get people to give.

Fiona: I liked that my hard work was going towards helping people who were in need. When you donate at school it’s not really the same thing.

You put some money in a box but you never really know what’s going to happen. But this way it was like “right now I’m packaging things that are going to be sold or go straight to [the migrant kids].” It’s going to make them feel better and make money to help their needs.

What advice would you give to other kids who are interested in volunteering?

Seth: Just a little bit of time put in will improve somebody’s life somewhere else.

Fiona: When you come and do something that you like, then it’s really worth your time because one, you’re arranging a game that you like and you know someone else will like if all the pieces are there and two, you know that the money will be going to a really good cause.

Seth: Also, it strengthens community bonds when people come here and volunteer.

Fiona: Yeah.

Roundabout 众爱商店 Mon-Sat 9.30am-5.30pm. Yuyang Lu (behind Yosemite compound), Shunyi District (English: 137 1877 7761, Chinese: 137 1805 3814, roundaboutchina@gmail.com) www.roundaboutchina.com 顺义区榆阳路（优山美地别墅后街）

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Grace Wang (MCF)

Fourteen-year-old Grace Wang does it all. This Beijing native sings, plays volleyball, is a member of student council at Beijing City International School (BCIS), and volunteers with several charities. For the past year, she has been teaching English to migrant kids for the Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF), one of BCIS’ school charities.

What was the most rewarding experience you had as a volunteer?

When we invited the MCF kids to the BCIS Sports Day. At first some of my peers didn’t really know how to talk to them, but in the end we were all having fun together.

Tell me a bit about your work at MCF. We plan our own English lessons and go to the migrant school in Beijing called Bowen Xuexiao (博文学校). We make flash cards with nouns and verbs, and try to teach students in a more creative way. We’re planning on adding stuff like sports days and maybe some science lessons.

What advice would you give to other students who are interested in volunteering at MCF? Just be yourself. Try to talk to the kids as much as possible and don’t just be a teacher. Interact with them and get to know each other; you should enjoy it at the same time.

Do you do any other volunteering?

Right now, I’m working with a Grade 5 teacher to tell younger kids about my experience [with MCF]. This year my classmate and I decided to [restart a project called] Give a Hope; the group collapsed last year because the seniors graduated. We want to visit a Chinese orphanage with a group of five to ten people to spend some time and help out.

There’s also Golden Heights [an old people’s home run by BCIS’ parent company]. We go every week to visit the elderly. We just talk to them and sometimes play mahjong or poker with them.

Do you think that enough people your age volunteer?

Yeah. Most people at our school who volunteer are in my age group, but I think more experienced and older people should join as well.

We can only teach [the kids] the knowledge that we know; the more experienced the teachers are, the better the students will learn. I’m actually surprised to hear that; I thought you were going to say most teens don’t care. More and more people are joining [MCF] and right now the buses don’t fit us all.

What kind of students attend the Bowen Xuexiao?

Basically, their parents are not from Beijing and they come here to work.

The students can’t go to local schools, so they’re the ones who attend that school. The ones we teach are mainly in Grade 4 and 5.

What’s a typical class like?

It’s one-to-one or one-to-two. First we sit down and chat with them to see what they’re like. We use the resources that we prepared to go off with our student and teach them. Each person has a different way of teaching the kids.

Are you usually always with the same student?

Last year we weren’t, but this year we’re trying to keep it the same so we can help one student develop a lot. The student I have right now is called Li Che and he’s in Grade 4. I’ve only taught him twice, but he’s pretty smart; he probably learns faster than I do with English vocabulary. We have similar interests. For example, we both like this Korean teen pop group called Exo. He taught me a game [similar to rock-paper-scissors] during a lesson and I started to enjoy it as well.

What are some of the biggest challenges faced by migrant kids?

They don’t have as many opportunities as us. Their families can suffer financial difficulties. They don’t have a proper education. The teachers [at the Bowen Xuexiao] are volunteers.

Everyone should try to lessen [their hardship] because all children deserve an equal chance. But just because they have these challenges doesn’t mean they can’t be successful in the future.

What do you get out of volunteering?

Joy. Happiness. When you finish a lesson and go over the words to see how much a kid has learned, you feel like you’ve achieved a lot and helped someone else. It makes you part of something meaningful and it gives you purpose. It changes someone else’s life.

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Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF) To learn more about MCF, visit www.mcfchina. org. To enquire about volunteering opportunities, email volunteer@mcfchina.org.

FEATURES Clément Verdeil (Bethel) Nineteen-year-old Clément Verdeil is a social and political sciences major at Sciences Po. He lived in Shanghai with his family for six years and graduated from the French Lycée there. For his third year of university, he opted to volunteer for Bethel, a Beijing-based NGO dedicated to helping visually-impaired children. Verdeil currently lives at the Doudian project site, where he teaches English and music to his young charges.

Tell me about your role at Bethel.

I have been here for nearly two months and plan to be here until the beginning of April. I am teaching the Chipmunk class, where the kids receive intensive English courses on top of the usual teaching provided

by Bethel (e.g. fine motor skills, Braille, and crafting). Since I am both the only male volunteer and the youngest person in direct contact with the kids, I assume the role of the “male figure” and spend quite a lot of time teaching the kids things their nannies would not, like playing ball, climbing, or even wrestling. I play the guitar and I am really into music, so I give extra music classes where I encourage the kids to develop a sense of rhythm and creativity. While the kids tend to think that reggae is a bit too chongfu [repetitive], they are really into about funk and dig the JB’s (James Brown’s).

Tell me about the kids you look after.

The kids I am taking care of range from 3 to 7 years old, all of them are orphans who are visually-impaired. Every child has a different condition. Some are totally blind while others have a low vision, allowing them to see lights, colors, or even obstacles. Some of the kids I look after also have some autistic symptoms. If I could find two words that would suit them all, I’d say “beaming” and “witty.” The other day, Huamei – a little girl in my class – spontaneously told me “I love you” with a radiant smile. Considering I came here with the usual a priori that one has about visually-impaired children, you can imagine my surprise when I saw a 5-year-old jump on a bike and hurtle down the slope next to the school.

How did you hear about Bethel?

Knowing that I was looking for a NGO to volunteer with, a friend of my parents’ who used to do fundraising for Bethel told me about the association. It was the incredible story of the foundation and the vivid description of the kids that convinced me. The numerous pictures, videos, and exhaustive articles made me feel secure about the fact that Bethel was a trustworthy NGO. What was the most rewarding experience you’ve had so far?

At the risk of sounding artificial, no day passes without its own share of rewarding experiences, but perhaps the most rewarding is simply to gain the children’s love. After volunteering for a month, I returned for a week to France. When I came back, exhausted from the trip, the kids shouted “Le Laoshi huilai le!” [Teacher Le is back!].

They all rushed towards me and jumped in my arms, grabbing my legs and laughing. I had a feeling I’d never experienced before in my 19 years, lighting a fatherly flame that burns brighter with each passing day.

What was the most challenging experience?

The biggest challenge was earning the kids’ attention and respect.

As they see many volunteers come and go – guests who come here for an afternoon and then never come back – they tend not to trust newcomers right away. As an inexperienced teacher who also suffered from broken Mandarin, I was quite apprehensive during my first week.

But as they slowly understood that I was planning to stay for a while, I quickly gained 15 adorable little brothers and sisters.

What surprised you about volunteering at Bethel?

I was surprised by the way things are organized. The kids do not live in a big orphanage dorm, but in seven small but cozy houses where each room contains a maximum of three kids. They eat breakfast and dinner in the dining room, carry a little school bag to class, and in the afternoon wait for their nannies to bring them back home. Everything is designed to recreate a family structure.

What impressed me the most might be the devotion of the teachers. The contrast between the children’s quality of life and the teachers’ poor material situation illustrates both their dedication and the organization’s will to ensure that spending goes to the welfare of the children – even this requires other sacrifices.

Have you gained any valuable professional skills as a result?

Mandarin! I could not hope for a better environment to engage in intensive, immersive study. In fact, the immersion is so good that I am starting to worry about forgetting my French. I also gained a priceless, uniquely human teaching experience. Not only did I sharpen previously non-existent pedagogic skills, I discovered a type of love that deeply changed me as a person.

What advice would you give someone who is considering volunteering?

Don’t fear the language barrier. Many non-Mandarin speakers have volunteered at Bethel and developed deep ties to both the staff and the children. The longer you stay, the better it is for you and the kids.

Don’t fear inexperience. If you are willing and caring, you’ll learn dayby-day how to teach and look after these formidable children.

What’s the best way to help Bethel for those who cannot commit to a volunteering term?

Obviously, the best way to help an orphan is to adopt. But barring that, sponsoring a child is also an efficient way to grant them the quality of life required to flourish. I know that many people’s main concern is that not enough of the money is going to the kids, but all donations and sponsorships are rightfully spent here. As an outside witness who lives at one of the project sites, I can assure any potential sponsor that Bethel is a role model for honest spending.

To find more charity organizations and NGOs, turn to our Directories under Family Life.

Bethel China 爱百福 Office: Rm 5071, Zone B, Chaowai SOHO, 6 Chaoyangmen Waidajie (5869 2169, info@ bethelchina.org) www.bethelchina.org 朝阳区 朝外大街乙6号朝外SOHO B座5071室

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Handmade holiday crafts

by Yvette Ferrari, Nimo Wanjau, and Aisling O’Brien

K

ids especially love the holidays – after all, school is out and there’s a steady influx of gifts and candy. Double up on the spirit of the season and get your little ones crafting their own decorations.

Gradually making your own as a family

builds their anticipation for the winter holidays, so skip the shops this year and try some DIY decor instead. These rusticprojects are cheerful, colorful, and inexpensive, and we’re sure you’ll find making them is enjoyable for kids from 1 to 92.

PHOTOs: joey guo

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School Editorbeijingkids Yvette Ferrari shows her completed Christmas garland 2014offDecember

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Estimated time: 5 minutes per tassel (approximately 1 hour for a row of ten tassels) Suitable for: Ages 5+ Materials • Red crepe paper • Green crepe paper • Shiny gold paper • Sturdy string (we got ours from Ikea) • Scissors Instructions 1. Take a piece of crepe paper and cut to about 15cm x 30cm. This will give you one rectangle. Set aside the remaining crepe paper for later use.

2. Fold rectangle in half. Starting from folded end, fold down again about 5cm. This will serve as your base.

3. From the longer end, begin folding the crepe paper, about 2.5cm wide per section. Turn the paper over and fold again the opposite way. Repeat all the way through the paper until you have a “fan.”

4. Open the “fan” and cut along the folded lines starting from the bottom (open end) of the crepe paper, creating tassels. Be careful not to cut through the base.

5. Open the crepe paper completely and lay it flat on a table or working surface.

6. Starting from either end, begin folding the tassels, one on top of the other. Try to align the corresponding tassels on each end. Smooth out the tassels as you fold. The result will be an elongated crepe paper with tassels on each end.

7. Smooth out the paper.

8. From the base (middle) of the crepe paper, begin twisting. Be careful not to twist too much; you might tear the paper.

9. Create a loop with the twisted base and double knot it with a piece of string.

10. Repeat steps 1-9 for the desired number of tassels and tie each one to an additional length of string to create a garland.

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PHOTOs: JOEY GUO anD uni you

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Web Editor Nimo Wanjau with herDecember Christmas tree ornament at the Siemens Test Kitchen beijingkids 2014

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Estimated time: 3-4 hours Suitable for: Age 5+ (adult supervision required) Materials for Flour Dough • 4 cups of all-purpose flour • 1 cup salt • 1½ cups of water Materials for Painting • Acrylic paint • Palette • Paint brushes • String Baking Instructions 1. Preheat oven to 165°C. 2. Mix flour and salt well. Gradually add water, stirring with a large spoon.

3. Knead until soft on a flat surface. Add a little water if the dough begins to be tough to knead.

4. Roll out the dough on a floured surface to a thickness of 3-4mm.

5. Cut shapes with cookie cutters.

6. With a toothpick, make a hole in the top of the ornament so you can hang it later.

7. Place the shapes on cookie sheets, and bake until hard, but not brown; about 1.5 hours.

8. Take out of oven and cool on a wire rack. Once fully dried, choose ones that are rock hard. Discard or continue to bake the ones that aren’t.

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10 Decorating Instructions 9. Sort the shapes, as this make it easier to pick which base color to start with.

10. Paint the front surface, leaving the sides for a more natural effect. Allow the shapes to dry.

11. Cut some string and pass it through the hole you made before baking. If the hole has become obstructed during baking, use the tip of a scissors to open it up again.

Tie the string firmly.

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PHOTOs: joey guo

Deputy Managing Editor Aisling O’Brien with two colored paper wreaths beijingkids 2014 December 52

FEATURES Estimated time: 4 hours Suitable for: Ages 5+ (adult supervision required) Materials • Strong cardboard • Dinner plate • Soup bowl • Marker • Scissors • Plastic bags • String • Plastic wrap •. Paper (e.g. old paperbacks or colored printer paper) • Strong crepe paper • Glue gun and glue sticks Directions for the Wreath Form 1. Trace the outline of the dinner plate on cardboard and cut out the shape. Place the soup bowl on top of this disk, align to center, trace, and cut out again.

2. Fold a plastic bag into a small rectangle. Secure to the cardboard ring on one side using plastic wrap. Continue adding plastic bags and plastic wrapping until the cardboard ring is covered.

3. Tie a length of string around the shape to hang the wreath later.

4. Cut some of the crepe paper into 2cm-wide strips. Bind these over the plastic wrap.

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Directions for the Rolled Paper Roses 5. Tear a page out of one of the paperbacks, or cut a sheet of colored printer paper in half. Cut out the shape of a circle.

6. Cut out the shape of a spiral, thinner at the outside edge, and gradually becoming thicker as it gets closer to the center of the circle.

7. Roll the spiral tightly from the edge until you reach the center.

8. Hot glue the paper curl to the center.

Directions for the Crepe Paper Roses 9. Cut three squares of equal size. Fold each square diagonally, then in quarters, then into eighths.

10. Cut off the tip of each eighth, and cut a half circle shape on the wider ends. Unfold each shape.

11. Cut one petal out of the first shape, two from the second, and three from the third.

12. Take the shape with five petals, and glue the two ends together.

Then curl the ends of each petal back on themselves. Repeat with each of the remaining shapes.

13. Hot glue the petal pieces inside each other, starting with the largest and ending with the single curled petal.

Directions for the Paper Cones 14. Take a sheet of paper and from the center of the sheet, roll the sides into a cone.

15. Hot glue the cone to secure.

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Directions for Assembling the Wreath 16. Hot glue the paper cones to the flat side of the wreath form.

17. Hot glue the crepe paper roses to the lowest point of the wreath when the wreath is hanging up.

18. Hot glue the rolled paper roses over the entire surface of the wreath form.

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Season’s Easy-to-follow recipes for classic holiday fare

Feastings

by Yvette Ferrari, Nimo Wanjau, and Aisling O’Brien; special thanks to the Siemens Beijing Direct Brand Shop

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PHOTOs: Uni You

he true charm of the holiday season is in the homespun and personal. Homemade food in particular has an unmatched charm and joyfulness to it. Each of these delicious and simple recipes are multi-functional; both the fragrant mulling spices and sweet sugar cookies can be given as unique gifts, while a traditional Hanukkah staple, potato latkes can also make for a filling festive brunch or serve as a hearty party canapé if made smaller.

Mulling Spices Makes about 2 ½ cups (enough for several recipes) Ingredients • 4 whole nutmegs • ½ cup cardamom pods • ½ cup cinnamon sticks • ¼ cup fresh orange peel • ¼ cup fresh ginger • ¼ cup whole cloves

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• ¼ cup fresh lemon peel (if giving as a gift, substitute with dried lemon and orange peel) • Star anise, whole pods (optional)

Directions 1. Peel the orange and lemon, then set aside.

2. Put the nutmeg and cardamom pods in a thick plastic bag. Break them apart with a mallet or heavy rolling pin. You can also process in a food processor or spice grinder, but don’t grind too finely.

3. Put nutmeg and cardamom pieces in a bowl and add the cinnamon chips, ginger root, orange and lemon peel, allspice berries, and cloves.

Mulled Wine Ingredients • 1 bottle red wine •. Fresh orange or pineapple juice (as desired) • ½ cup mulling spices Directions 1. Slice the peeled oranges and juice them.

2. Pour red wine and fruit juice in a large saucepan.

3. Toss in the mulling spices.

4. Heat slowly over medium heat until steaming, but don’t allow to boil. Turn heat to low, cover, and let simmer for 20 minutes.

5. Strain the mulled wine through a sieve to remove the spices.

6. Serve with a slice of orange and a cinnamon stick for garnish.

Mulled Apple Juice

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Ingredients • 1L fresh apple juice • ½ cup of mulling spices • ¼ cup maple syrup (optional) Directions: 1. Add apple juice to large pan.

2. Add maple syrup (if desired for extra sweetness) then stir well.

3. Add the mulling spices and gently warm on medium heat for 20 minutes or so until hot.

4. Remove from heat, strain, and pour into thick glasses or mugs.

Add a cinnamon stick for garnish.

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Sugar Cookies

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Sugar Cookie Recipe Makes about 36 cookies

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Ingredients • 3 cups all purpose flour, extra for rolling • ¼ tsp salt • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened • 1 cup sugar • 1 tablespoon milk • ¾ tsp baking powder • 1 egg, beaten • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 190°C. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Using a large wooden spoon, or a mixer on low speed, cream together the softened butter and sugar in a large bowl until dough appears a light color. Beat in egg, vanilla, and milk.

3. Using a mixer on low speed (or hand mixing with a wooden spoon), gradually add dry ingredients, and beat together until mixture pulls away from the side of the bowl.

4. Refrigerate dough for two hours.

5. Sprinkle your working surface with flour to keep the dough from sticking.

6. Roll half the dough out until about ¼ inch thick and cut it into desired shapes.

7. Place shapes at least one inch apart on greased baking sheet.

8. Bake for 8-10 minutes in the preheated oven or until golden.

Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.

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Sugar Icing Recipe Ingredients • 1 cup confectioner’s or powdered sugar • 3-6 tablespoons milk or other liquid • ½ teaspoon vanilla or almond extract • Food coloring

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Directions 1. Put the sugar, milk, and vanilla extract into a bowl.

2. Mix until it forms a thick, creamy paste. If desired, thin the icing into a glaze with additional tablespoons of milk.

3. Repeat the colored process adding food coloring as desired to create additional icing.

4. With a tablespoon, add icing to piping bags, creating separate bags for each color.

5. Decorate cookies as desired.

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Potato Latkes 58

beijingkids 2014 December

FEATURES Latke Recipe Makes about 20 latkes

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Ingredients •. 2½ lb large potatoes (washed, scrubbed, and peeled) • 1 large onion, peeled • 3 eggs, lightly beaten •. 3 tbsp matzo meal (we got ours from the Chabad House) or flour • 1-2 tsp kosher salt • Pepper • Oil for frying Instructions 1. Using the coarsest side of a hand-held box grater, grate the potatoes and onion, and put into a sieve or colander over a bowl.

2. Wring out the potato mixture, squeezing as much liquid out as possible. Then let the mixture stand for 15 minutes.

3. Pour away the brown liquid at the bottom of the bowl, and save the pasty looking potato starch. It will help your latkes stick together.

4. Mix the potato starch, beaten eggs, salt, freshly ground pepper, and matzo meal into the grated potatoes and onion.

5. Pour oil into a frying pan to a depth of 1cm. Set the burner to a medium-high heat.

6. Take a spoonful of latke mixture and squeeze it into a flat patty.

The thinner the latkes the crispier they are. Place the patty in the pan. Add two to three more patties, without crowding the pan.

7. Fry until golden brown, then flip until both sides are well browned.

Add additional oil as needed, frying the entire mixture in batches of threes or fours.

8. Place the fried latkes on a paper-towel-lined baking sheet.

9. Serve with sour cream and applesauce.

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Applesauce Recipe Ingredients • 6 large sweet apples (e.g. Gala) • 2 cups water • 2 cinnamon sticks • 1 tbsp freshly-squeezed lemon juice Instructions 1. Peel and chop the apples into chunks.

2. Place in a saucepan, and add the water, cinnamon sticks, and lemon juice.

3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat. Lower the heat to a simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring from time to time.

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Siemens Beijing Direct Brand Shop Daily 9am-6pm. Shop 102, Gemini Grove, 63 Xinyuan Jie, Chaoyang District (WeChat: se_direct_brand_shop) 朝阳区新源街63号院星源 汇东塔底商102

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

beijingkids Halloween Costume Party On October 25 and 26, beijingkids held its eighth annual Halloween Costume Party at the Canadian International School of Beijing. More than 1,200 guests (including over 500 kids) attended over three sessions. Highlights included 17 Halloween-themed games and activities provided by our partners, a terrifying haunted house built

by Asian Express International Movers, trick-or-treating around the school, and family photos by PiXSTUDIO. Special thanks to EtonKids International Bilingual Kindergarten, Jiade Montessori Bilingual Kindergarten, Blue Bridge International Education, Yosemite Art Center, VIP Kid, Denis Freres, Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Kerry Hotel Beijing, China World Mall, Links Moving, Horizon Sports Medical Clinic, and New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The food vendors – Panda’s Kitchen, Beijing Eco Vegan Farmer’s Market, Papahandy, and Youpin Food – provided pizza, cake, and lots of candy. All the pumpkins for this event were generously provided by TooToo Organic Farm.

photos: SUI and Ken

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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 December 5.

HoK Students Visit Organic Farm On September 16, students from House of Knowledge’s Quanfa campus visited an organic farm for a fun and engaging school trip. The students learned about how produce is grown and picked their own vegetables to help them understand where their food comes from.

photos: courtesy of HOK and HIS

HIS Fall Fair On October 11, staff, students, and parents from Hope International School (HIS) hosted a carnival day with discounted rides at the nearby Crab Island amusement park. Vendors and international food stalls also participated in the event.

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Harrow Autumn Fair On October 18, Harrow International School of Beijing held its annual Autumn Fair with fun activities and stalls for the entire family, including international foods, games, crafts, gifts, and raffle prizes. Headmaster David Shinkfield even took a turn in the jousting ring. The event was organized by Friends of Harrow with the help of students and staff to support the school and house charities chosen by students.

YCIS Beijing Students Experience China As part of the Experiencing China program at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing), secondary students visited Inner Mongolia, Qingdao, Suzhou, and Wuzhen over the last semester.

The trips are designed to complement classroom learning on Chinese language and culture, helping students apply and reinforce the knowledge gained at school.

photos: courtesy of Harrow and YCIS

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THE CIRCUIT Halloween at 3e On October 31, 3e International School celebrated Halloween with a masquerade parade full of witches, ghosts, fairies, and many other fairy tale characters.

photos: courtesy of 3E and BIBS

BIBS Community Picnic On October 25, Beanstalk International Bilingual School (BIBS) had one of the biggest events in its history, with the entire BIBS community coming together for a barbecue lunch and Halloween costume party. All members of staff were involved in the organization, from drivers to the senior leadership team, as well as parents. The event featured pumpkin carving, performances, baked goods, a haunted house, face painting, and more.

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The Big Draw at DCB On October 23, students of all grades at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) participated in The Big Draw, a global initiative to promote drawing and an attempt to overturn the notion that there is a “right” way to draw. Artworks based on this year’s theme of “It’s Our World” are currently on display at the DCB Legend Garden Campus.

CISB Middle and High School Social On October 30, the the Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) had the biggest middle and high school social yet with a haunted house put on by Student Council, a screening of the movie Hotel Transylvania, spooky music, and gory treats.

photos: courtesy of dcb and CISB

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THE CIRCUIT Spirit Week at BCIS From October 27-31, secondary school students at Beijing City International School (BCIS) celebrated Spirit Week with Sports Day, Hawaii Day, Pajama Day, “Whatever� Day, and a special Halloween Movie Night on October 31.

photos: courtesy of BCis ANd ANRIC

Cooking Classes at AnRic Kids at AnRic Little Montessori Room have been busy cooking up a storm. Cooking sessions are held monthly. Students get to gather ingredients, measure out the amounts needed, knead, bake, clean up, and of course enjoy the food. A new recipe is taught every month, starting with chapatti in October and banana cupcakes in November.

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In Tune with The Tigertones On October 28 and 30, Keystone Academy hosted The Tigertones, one of Princeton University’s most talented group of musicians.

The a cappella group sang without musical accompaniment to a packed audience on both nights, snapping their fingers to the beat and crooning in harmony. They also led a workshop with Keystone Grade 4 and 5 students to explore the art of a cappella.

International Day at BSB In October, students and parents at the British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi celebrated International Day with 60 countries represented in a Parade of Nations.

photos: courtesy of Keystone and BSB

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Iron Chef at ISB At the end of October, International School of Beijing Grade 10 Health Classes battled it out in their own Iron Chef competition, held in the new student cooking lab.

photos: courtesy of ISB and SIDE BY SIDE

Halloween Craft at Side by Side Halloween is always fun at Side by Side. Eric, Eli, Ian, Max, Dominic, and Kester all enjoyed making jack-o-lanterns and dressing up.

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Family Dining Bakeries, Delis & Desserts Kempi Deli Some of the best bread, cakes and desserts in town. Next time you want a birthday cake, try their incredible Black Forest chocolate cake. Discounts after 8pm (9pm weekends). Daily 7am-10pm. 1/F, Kempinski Hotel, Chaoyang District (6465 3388 ext 5741) www.kempinski.com 凯宾美食廊，朝阳 区凯宾斯基饭店1层 The Paddington Kitchen The Paddington Kitchen grew out of a baking business Founder Lottie Murphy started with a friend, called Paddington Puddings and Pies. After finding a dearth of quality baked goods in Beijing, the duo decided to make their own.

Murphy and Chow specialize in freshly-baked cakes, biscuits, and pies for all occasions, including mince pies, shortbread cookies, and Christmas puddings. Everything is made to order using only quality imported ingredients.

Paddington is based near Chunxiu Lu and can deliver. (paddingtonkitchen@gmail.com) Auntie Jane’s Bakery Longtime expat Jane Hsiao started her baking business in 2007.

Her eye-popping cake designs range from Frozen and Kung Fu Panda to woodland creatures and even the Temple of Heaven. A birthday cake with a simple custom design and large enough for ten costs RMB 380.

Delivery is free within Shunyi and negotiable within the city. She also has three locations in Shunyi, Haidian, and Liangmaqiao.

1) 5 Tianyunge, Tianzhu Huayuan, 38 Tianzhu Fuqian Yijie, Shunyi District (6458 1368/1968) 2) 1/F, Fuyi Hotel, 68 Dongsihuan Xilu, Haidian District (5155 3651/2); 3) Inside Fuyi Hotel, 39 Maizidian Xilu, Chaoyang District (6584 8001/9)1) 顺义区天竺府前一 街38号天竺花园天韵阁5号 2) 海淀区北四环西 路68号富驿酒店1楼 3) 朝阳区麦子店西街39号 富驿酒店内 Euro Cake A spinoff of Euro Bakery, Euro Cake was founded in 2006 by Dutchman Henny Fakkel to offer European-style cakes.

Choose from chocolate or vanilla flavor with icing or almond paste. Orders require two to three days’ notice and cakes range from RMB 268-850. Free delivery within Fifth Ring Road. 18 Jinma Industry Zone, Shunyi District (6949 1450, info@eurobakery.com.cn) www. eurocake.com.cn北京金马欧兰食品有限公司， 顺义区金马工业区18号 Fawn’s Sweets Founded and operated by Hong Kong-born teen siblings Stephanie and Kevin Yang, Fawn’s Sweets specializes in cheesecakes and cupcakes for all occasions.

A box of nine cupcakes costs RMB 108 and a large cheesecake costs RMB 280. There are also individual portions available for sale at the shop, such as carrot cake (RMB 13) and red velvet (RMB 12). Mon-Fri 8.30am9pm, Sat-Sun 10.15am-7.30pm. Shop B118, Chaowai SOHO Phase II, Chaoyangmennei Xiaojie, Chaoyang District (6517 6680) 佛 恩斯蛋糕店，朝阳区朝内小街朝阳门SOHO2期 B118店铺

Cafes & Sandwiches Cafe Alba Cute, cozy and cool, Alba (formerly e.a.t) invites you to while away the hours between breakfast and last call on its couches, bar stools or terrace with superior cocktails and fresh salads, sandwiches and pasta. The ample selection of single malts and a broad wine selection mark this place out as one of Gulou’s more civilized drinking options as well. Daily 8am-2am. 70 Gulou Dongdajie (east of Nanluogu Xiang), Dongcheng District (6407 3730)东城区鼓楼 东大街70号 Cafe Zarah A popular gem on picturesque Gulou Dongdajie, this German cafe serves cakes, soups, salads, and sandwiches from the owner’s personal recipe book. Recently renovated. Daily 9.30am-midnight. 42 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (8403 9807)

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www.cafezarah.com东城区鼓楼东大街42号

（三里屯酒吧街北口）

The Rug Now with two branches in Beijing, The Rug focuses on health, organic dishes with flair. The location near Chaoyang Park is more family-friendly while the new one in Sanlitun caters to a more upscale, grownup crowd. 1) TTue-Fri 11.30am-10pm (last order 9.30pm), Sat-Sun 10.30am-8pm (last order 7.30pm). Bldg 4, Lishui Jiayuan, Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu (opposite South Gate of Chaoyang Park), Chaoyang District (8550 2722) 2) Mon-Fri 10.30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-10pm. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6507 230)1) 朝阳区, 朝阳 公园南路丽水嘉园4号楼(朝阳公园南门对面) 2) 朝阳区, 工体北路4号机电研究院内

American

Village Cafe Offers international cuisine and pan Asian classics with a fresh twist.

Well-designed interior and kids-friendly environment. Baby chairs and cutleries, and children’s menu’s on the offer. The Sticky Date Pudding dessert comes highly recommended. Daily 6.30am-10.30pm.

1/F, The Opposite House, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6410 5210, villagecafe@theoppositehouse.com) www. theoppositehouse.com朝阳区三里屯路11号 瑜舍1层

Catering & Delivery Culinary Capers With 22 years of experience, this catering company specializes in off-site MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) and automotive events throughout China, expanding in recent years into providing school lunches at select schools in Beijing.1/F, Bldg 1, 6 Xiangjiang Lu, Chaoyang District (6432 3899) culinarycapersbeijing.com朝阳区香江路6号 1号楼1层

Blue Frog This popular Shanghai-based restaurant chain has a menu rooted in burgers. The “Blue Frog Burger” ranks right up there among the best in the city, and there are a host of other patty-based options available. Drinks are buy-one-get-one-free during the 4-8pm daily happy hour; on Mondays, that also includes a buy-one-getone-free burger deal. And American style breakfast is available all week. Other culinary possibilities include Italian-style pasta dishes and Mexican options – a reflection of the American melting pot. Decent Wi-Fi. Voted “Outstanding American” and “Outstanding Burger” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. 1) Daily 10am-late. Level 3, S2-30 Tower, the Village North Sanlitun Road, Sanlitun, Chaoyang Distinct, Chaoyang District (6417 4030, info@bluefrog.com.cn) www.bluefrog.com.cn 2) Daily 10am-late.

1/F, Bldg 1, U-Town, Sanfeng Beili, Chaoyang District (8561 2665, info@bluefrog.com. cn) www.bluefrog.com.cn 3) Daily 10ammidnight. 167, 1/F, Indigo, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8426 0017, info@bluefrog. com.cn) www.bluefrog.com.cn 4) Daily 10am-late. S2-30, Level 3, S2 Tower, The Village at Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (6417 4030, info@bluefrog.com.cn) www.bluefrog. com.cn蓝蛙， 1) 朝阳区三里屯北路19号三里 屯Village南区2号楼3层S2-30 2) 朝阳区三丰北 里悠唐生活广场1号楼1层 3) 朝阳区颐堤港店酒 仙桥路18号1层167号 4) 朝阳区三里屯路19号院 2号楼3层S2-30

Xian Lao Man This busy chain of restaurants does huge, ingot-shaped dumplings and mending roubing (“doornail meat pies”) and other homestyle lao Beijing dishes. 1) 5 Anhu Beili Yayuan,

Fusion Palms L.A. Kitchen and Bar Beijing’s first Korean meets Mexican culinary mash-up, expect firey flavors and a whirlwind of spices to be infused in your meals. Daily 11.30am2.30pm, 6-late. 14 Zhangwang Hutong, Xicheng District (6405 4352)西城区张旺胡 同14号

African Pinotage With two locations in Beijing, Pinotage offers classic South African fare like savory vetkoek (RMB 120), a classic Afrikaner dish consisting of minced beef and tomato chutney delightfully balanced against coconut and dried banana. Kid-friendly dishes include mini pizza wheels with cheddar and marmite (RMB 90) and bullie beef hash made from corned beef, onion, potato and poached eggs (RMB 120 from the weekend brunch menu).

There are also gourmet takes on favorites like the beef burger and boerie roll – essentially a foot-long South African hot dog (both RMB 120). 1) Sun-Thu 12am-9pm, Fri-Sat 12am-10pm. Lane Bridge Villa Compound, Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District (6430 7010) 2) Sun-Thu 12am-10.30pm, Fri-Sat 12am-11.30pm, bar opening hours: daily 12am-2am. 12 Dongzhimen Waidajie (corner of Sanlitun Bar Street), Chaoyang District (5603 1945, 153 2100 0204) 1) 朝阳 区来广营东路９号 2) 朝阳区东直门外大街12号

beijingkids 2014 December

Lily’s American DinerThe owner of this Shuangjing restaurant cut her teeth at Steak & Eggs; she’s now created a menu of her own offering a sizeable selection of classically greasy North American and Tex-Mex fare like cheeseburgers, roast beef melt subs and chicken or beef fajitas. All-day breakfast specials including buttermilk pancakes with two eggs, plus bacon, sausage or ham.

Generously sized beef burritos come wrapped in suitably soft, yet resilient tortillas, with assorted vegetables and “Lily’s spices.”

The beef nachos aren’t quite like those in Texas, but they’re entirely edible by Beijing standards. 1) Daily 8am-midnight. Unit 2-18, Bldg 2, Tianzhi Jiaozi, 31 Guangqu Lu (northeast corner of Shuangjing Qiao), Chaoyang District (6592 5548, lilysdelivery@ yahoo.com) www.lilysbeijing.com 2) Daily 10am-midnight. 200m east from north gate of Jindi Mingjing Xiaoqu, exit E of Sihui subway station, Chaoyang District (, lilysdelivery@yahoo.com) www.lilysbeijing. com 3) Tues-Sun 10am-10pm, Mon closed.

Xindong Lu 8 Hao Yuan, Shoukai Bojun Bldg 5, Room 1-037, Chaoyang District (8418 5497, lilysdelivery@yahoo.com) www. lilysbeijing.com1) 朝阳区双井桥东北角广渠路 31号院天之骄子2号楼底商2-18 2) 朝阳区四 惠地铁北E出口金地名京小区北门对面往东200 米 3) 朝阳区新东路8号院首开铂郡小区底商5 号楼1-037号

Cantonese & Dim Sum

Dumplings

Gulou, Dongcheng District (6404 6944) 2) 8 Zongzheng Xiyuan Canying Lou, Huangsi Dajie, Chaoyang District (6679 2284) 3) 252 Andingmennei Dajie, Dongcheng District (6404 6944)馅老满 1) 东城区, 安惠北里雅园 5号楼 2) 朝阳区, 西城区黄寺大街甲8号总政 西院餐饮楼(近柳荫湖公园) 3) 东城区, 安定 门内大街252号

Lu, Chaoyang District (8529 8680, chefbilly@ yahoo.com) www.elementfresh.com新元素， 1) 朝阳区三里屯路19号院三里屯Village 3层 2) 朝阳区将台路6号 3) 朝阳区朝阳公园6号蓝色 港湾湖畔美食街 4) 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤 港1层 5) 朝阳区东大桥路9号 6) 朝阳区光华 路1号1层

Eudora Station Bar and Restaurant This Lido area spot gets points for quality and service, and its large verandah is a great place to park with the kids on a sunny day.

There are two highchairs for especially wee ones. Daily 9am-2am. 6 Fangyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6437 8331) 亿多瑞站，朝 阳区芳园西路6号 Element Fresh This sunny Shanghai import showcases a healthier side of American food, with elaborate salads, smoothies and sandwiches. Popular weekend brunch menu. Voted “Best American,” “Best Brunch (Affordable)” and “Outstanding Family Friendly Atmosphere” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Restaurant Awards. 1) Mon-Fri 10am11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-11pm. S8-33, Bldg 8, 3/F, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6417 1318, chefbilly@ yahoo.com) www.elementfresh.com 2) SunThu 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 8am-midnight. 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (6433 5058, chefbilly@yahoo.com) www.elementfresh. com 3) Mon-Thu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm. Solana Lakeside Dining Street, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District (5905 1908, chefbilly@ yahoo.com) www.elementfresh.com 4) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm.

1/F, Indigo, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8420 0565, chefbilly@yahoo.com) www.elementfresh.com 5) Mon-Fri 11am10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. LG2, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8561 0378, chefbilly@yahoo.com) www. elementfresh.com 6) Mon-Sun 10am-10pm.

1F, Beijing Kerry Centre Mall, 1 Guanghua

Chao Dian Decorated in red leather and dark wood, the softly lit two-story Chao Dian in The Village at Sanlitun offers delectable Hong Kong style fare with quick and attentive service. The 44-dish dim sum menu (RMB 6-18) features all the usual favorites. The steamed BBQ pork buns (RMB 16) are heartily filled, while the steamed rice roll with shrimp (RMB 16) is equally scrumptious.

If you can’t decide, order the house platter – shao-mai, shrimp, Shanghainese and vegetable dumplings – for RMB 48. The regular menu is also well stocked, with no dish exceeding RMB 48. The steamed egg with dried scallops (RMB 38) is light and savory, while the assorted brined meats with jellyfish (RMB 48) are lush and flavorful. Open late, Chao Dian is great for a quick affordable bite to satisfy any Cantonese craving. Mon-Fri 10am-3am, Sat-Sun 9am-3am. S6-32, 3/F, Bldg 6, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6413 2998, villagecafe@ theoppositehouse.com) http://www.shangrila.com/en/property/beijing/shangrila/dining/ restaurant/cafecha嘲点，朝阳区三里屯路19号 三里屯Village南区3号楼S6-32单元 Hengshan Hui Serving authentic dim sum, milk tea and stir-fried noodles, this affordable Cantonese eatery draws both businessmen and families. Daily 10.30am-11.30pm. 1/F, Kerry EAS Logistics Building (entrance at back of building), 21 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District (6466 1211, villagecafe@theoppositehouse.com) http:// www.swissotel.com/EN/Destinations/China/ Swissotel+Beijing/HOTEL+HOME/Gallery/ Dining/Happy+Valley+Restaurant.htm衡山 汇，朝阳区霄云路21号嘉里大通附楼1楼

Dongbei Liulaogen Founded by Dongbei native and Chinese sketch comedian Zhao Benshan, Liulaogen serves Dongbei favorites in a refined theater-inspired setting. Be sure to try the sweet n’ sour pork or shazhu huicai (RMB 69 each). Daily 11am-9pm. 34 Xiaojiang Hutong, Qianmen Donglu, Dongcheng District (6702 6666) 刘老根东北菜，东城区前门东路 小江胡同34号

DIRECTORIES European The English Tearoom Located behind Shunyi’s Beidong Flower Market, The English Tearoom is a quintessentially British, familyfriendly tearoom. The cafe prides itself on serving real tea in traditional English-style teapots, including black teas, green tea, rooibos, herbal and fruit teas (all imported from the UK). Visitors will also find gourmet coffee, fresh fruit juices, and smoothies. For food, there are traditional fresh-baked English scones and a selection of British cakes and biscuits. The light lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads, and specials like sausage rolls and Scotch eggs. There’s also an English afternoon tea and a generous English breakfast. The English Tearoom strives to use organic, local, and free-range produce whenever possible. The space is divided into the Main Tearoom and the Children’s Tearoom; the latter contains a large play area for tots to run around in. Parking is available outside the restaurant within the Chuangyi Yuan compound. Daily 10am-7pm. Inside Chuangyi Yuan, 1A Shunhuang Lu (near Scitech Outlets), Sunhe Township, Shunyi District (8459 4407, 158 1099 8410 (English and Chinese), booking@rosewoodbeijing. com) www.englishtearoombeijing.com英国茶 房，顺义区孙河乡顺黄路甲1号创意园内(近赛 特奥特莱斯) The Orchard An institution among residents of residents of out-of-town expat hideout Shunyi, The Orchard comes highly recommended for its affordable menu of western food and emphasis on organic produce, with ample provision for little ones making it an ideal spot for family dining. The restaurant’s remoteness from the city center lends it added appeal as a retreat from the rough and tumble of urban life (although the surrounding village of Hegezhuang, which is also home to Green T. Living and the Yin Yang Community Center, is quickly gentrifying), but does make transportation

something of a headache – finding a taxi back into town can be a challenge, so come equipped with a plan. The well-known Sunday brunch (11am-3pm) is RMB 210 a person. Children can relax with a video and enjoy the cushy chairs in the kids’ room, or head outside for a stroll around the lake with mom and dad. Voted “Outstanding Brunch (Affordable)” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. Daily noon-3pm, 6-9pm.

From Jingshun Lu, turn left (west) at Shunbai Lu Intersection, (turn at the driveway just west of the Hegezhuang Village Sign), Chaoyang District (6433 6270) 果园，朝阳区 崔各庄乡何各庄村(过何各庄村路标往南转)

French Crepanini Run by two Bretons, this small cafe features a variety of savory and dessert crepes (including a buckwheat Breton Crepe and the ever-popular Nutella and Banana Crepe). In addition, they offer a selection of paninis and waffles and drinks include coffee, smoothies, cider and pastis. Set breakfast and lunch menus on offer. Local delivery available. Sun-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri-Sat 9am-2am. Unit A110, 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (5208 6093, boucheriemichel@hotmail.com) www.flo.cn 可百尼尼，朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园1层 酒吧街对面

German South German Bakery, Cafe Konstanz and Bodenseestube Provides over 20 varities of German and European rye, wheat and white breads (Alpenschpitz, Mohn Stange, Kaese Stange, toast bread and baguettes), along with tasty homemade cakes and sweets. Upstairs you’ll find Cafe Konstanz and Bodenseestube, a south German restaurant that offers great weekend breakfasts (Sat-Sun, 8.30am-3pm), business lunches, dumplings, sausages, sauerkraut, cheese noodles and hearty German dinners.

Sandwiches and quality coffee also available.

Available for private parties and events. Daily 9am-10pm (restaurant), 7am-10pm (bakery).

27 Lucky Street, 1 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District (5867 0201, michael@ germanbakery.com.cn) www.germanbakery. com.cn德南面包房，朝阳区朝阳公园路1号好 运街27号

Indian & Pakistani Ganges Indian Restaurant This is a good restaurant for the gastronomically adventurous. Spicy dishes can be cooked without the heat upon request (probably a good idea for the young ones). There’s a play area with two kids’ tables and chairs, plus books and crayons mixed in with other toys.

For smaller diners, there are a few highchairs available. In a nutshell, this is delicious Indian food in a comfortable environment that won’t break your budget. Winner of “Best India/Pakistani” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. 1) 6/F, Wudaokou U-Center, Chengfu Lu, Haidian District (, WeChat: vividolce) www.ganges-restaurant. com 2) Daily 10am-11pm. 138A, B1/F, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6587 2999, WeChat: vividolce) www.gangesrestaurant.com 3) Daily 10am-11pm. 5/B, Hairun International Apartment, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (5135 8353, WeChat: vividolce) www.ganges-restaurant.com 4) 2/F, Paddy O’Shea’s, 28 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6417 0900, WeChat: vividolce) www.ganges-restaurant.com 5) Stall 202, 2/F, Bldg 1, Shimao Department Store, 13 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6416 0181, WeChat: vividolce) www.gangesrestaurant.com恒河印度餐厅， 1) 海淀区成 府路五道口U-Center6层 2) 朝阳区光华路9号世 贸天阶地下1层138A 3) 朝阳区将台路2号海润 国际公寓底商5号 4) 朝阳区东直门外大街28号 爱尔兰酒吧2层 5) 朝阳区工体北路13号世贸百 货1号楼2层202

Italian Galati Italian Restaurant Meat and fish dishes include beef tenderloin, osso bucco, salmon steak, and fresh tuna (RMB 98178). Pastas (RMB 58-88) include lasagna, bolognese, taglioni with truffles, arrabiatta, and beef ravioli. There are a number of pizzas with flavors like margherita, prosciutto crudo, diavola, vegetarian, and tuna (RMB 58-78).

Galati also serves bianca pizzas, which have a focaccia bread base.Pinnacle Plaza, Yuyang Lu, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District Galati 意大 利餐厅，顺义区天竺镇榆阳路荣祥广场 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) www. 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) www. 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 Tavola Italian Dining Excellent Neapolitanstyle Italian cuisine in a setting that works equally well for intimate dinners or group events. Business set lunch RMB 108-138.

Voted “Outstanding Italian” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Restaurant Awards. Daily 11.30am2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm. 2/F, The Grand Summit, Section B, Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Mansion, 19 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang District (8532 5068, rf.ritan@gmail.com) www.tavola-bj.com塔沃拉意大利餐厅，朝阳区

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东方东路19号亮马桥外交公寓会所2层

Korean Chicken Suutak’s A cozy and intimate late night eatery with tasty yet reasonably-priced food. Portions are generous in this tiny and cramped establishment. Menu includes Chili Sauce Chicken Wings (RMB 45) and Boneless Hot Sauce Chicken (RMB 45), both featuring the uniqueness of Korean fried chicken: super crunchy, rich on sauces (chili, sweet and hot, soy sauce, etc.) and option for boneless chicken which is really thick on batter and won’t get the sauce all over your face. Daily 2pm-2am. 320 Wangjing Xiyuan Sanqu Sanqu, Guangshun Beidajie, Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District (8472-6745, 134 3961 6544: Delivery service available) 朝阳区 朝阳区广顺北大街望京西园三区320号

Hatsune Both stylish venues specialize in unique sushi and hand rolls. Voted “Best Japanese” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. 1) Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm. 2/F, Heqiao Bldg C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6581 3939) 2) Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm. S8-30 (opposite Element Fresh), Bldg 8, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6415 3939) 3) Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.3010pm. B31, Kerry Center Shopping Mall, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6591 3939) 隐泉日本料理， 1) 朝阳区光华路甲8号和乔大 厦C座2层 2) 朝阳区三里屯路19号三里屯Village 南区8号楼S8-30 3) 朝阳区光华路一号嘉里中心 商场地下一 B31

Russian

Middle Eastern Biteapitta Falafels, hummus, sandwiches and shawarma. Set meals available. Good value for money. Voted “Best Middle Eastern” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. Daily 11am-11pm. 2/F, Tongli Studio (same block as Le Petit Gourmand), Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (6467 2961, ilovepitta@biteapitta.com) 吧嗒饼，朝阳区三 里屯后街同里2层

Sichuan Chuan Ban Its location in the Sichuan province’s Beijing rep office fuels its reputation as the most authentic Sichuan eatery in town. Reasonable prices but often crowded, so expect a wait during peak dinner hours. Voted “Outstanding Sichuan” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Restaurant Awards.

Mon-Fri 7-9am, 10.50am-2pm, 4.50-9.30pm; Sat-Sun 7am-10pm. 5 Gongyuan Toutiao, Jianguomennei Dajie, Dongcheng District (6512 2277 ext 6101)川办餐厅，东城区建国门 内贡院头条5号

Yunnan In & Out Staffed by various ethnic minorities of Yunnan decked out in their traditional costumes, this airy third-floor Lijiang-themed restaurant, perched above the Sanlitun Jenny Lou’s, is replete with English newspaper print plastered to the ceiling and a menu boasting Dai favorites such as fried potato balls (RMB 18) and rice with pineapple (RMB 26), along with a mish-mash of Naxi, Bai, and Wa staples. The Xishuangbanna roast fish bundled with lemongrass (RMB 36) was overcooked and the Shangri-la dried beef (RMB 28) was rich in flavor but leathery in texture. Other dishes we tried, such as the wild boletas (mushrooms) with chili (RMB 38) confirmed that the chef caters to those palates that relish an occasional flirtation with exotic flavors and presentation, without risking culinary disagreeability. For the rest of us, the flavors lack zest and sparkle, even if the dining experience is innocuously pleasant. Leon Lee Aug 06 Daily 11am-10pm.

1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (8454 0086/6467 5235) 一坐一忘，朝阳区三里屯 北小街1号

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

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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 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）

eats made with a mother’s care. The menu sprouts Hani minority classics like tofu skin dishes and fried goat cheese, with a focus on rice noodle entrees coupled with a variety of soups and toppings. Daily 11am-10pm.

48 Zhonglouwan Hutong (east of the Bell Tower), Dongcheng District (6401 3318)哈尼 个旧餐厅东城区, 钟楼湾胡同48号 In & Out Staffed by various ethnic minorities of Yunnan decked out in their traditional costumes, this airy third-floor Lijiang-themed restaurant, perched above the Sanlitun Jenny Lou’s, is replete with English newspaper print plastered to the ceiling and a menu boasting Dai favorites such as fried potato balls (RMB 18) and rice with pineapple (RMB 26), along with a mish-mash of Naxi, Bai, and Wa staples. The Xishuangbanna roast fish bundled with lemongrass (RMB 36) was overcooked and the Shangri-la dried beef (RMB 28) was rich in flavor but leathery in texture. Other dishes we tried, such as the wild boletas (mushrooms) with chili (RMB 38) confirmed that the chef caters to those palates that relish an occasional flirtation with exotic flavors and presentation, without risking culinary disagreeability. For the rest of us, the flavors lack zest and sparkle, even if the dining experience is innocuously pleasant. Leon Lee Aug 06 Daily 11am-10pm.

1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (8454 0086/6467 5235) 一坐一忘，朝阳区三里屯 北小街1号

Family Health Clinics & Hospitals 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）

Singaporean & Malaysian Cafe Sambal One of Beijing’s oldest hutong restaurants serves authentic but pricey Malay food (curry crab, Kapitan Chicken, kuih dadar, sweet desserts) in a lovely courtyard.

Reservations are recommended. Daily 11ammidnight. 43 Doufuchi Hutong (just east of Jiugulou Dajie), Xicheng District (6400 4875) http://www.cafesambal.com/ 西城区豆腐池胡 同43号(旧鼓楼大街往东走) Lau Pa Sak Bustling Singaporean outlet that serves “hawker” street food indoors. Fans rave about the beef rendang, laksa noodles, spicy nasi goreng fried rice and condensed milk coffee. Oh, and the curry puffs! Daily 11am-10.30pm. Xindong Lu (opposite Canadian Embassy), Chaoyang District (6417 0952) 老巴刹，朝阳区新东路加拿大使馆对面

Yunnan

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

Hani Gejiu From the robust, no-nonsense wooden tables of its interior to its fresh and simple fare, this Yunnan spot features

Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) offers international-standard care to

Vietnamese Le Little Saigon Cute colonial-style FrenchVietnamese bistro with a beautiful rooftop in the midst of Gulou hutongs. Weekday set lunch from 11.30am-1.30pm. Voted “Outstanding Vietnamese” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Restaurant Awards. Daily 11.30midnight. 141 Jiugulou Dajie, Dongcheng District (6401 8465) 西贡在巴黎，东城区旧鼓 楼大街141号

beijingkids 2014 December

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

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 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

DIRECTORIES 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

Dental Services

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

Volunteer & Charity Organizations 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 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

Bethel China A not-for-profit organization that provides foster care, education and professional training for Chinese orphans who are blind or visually impaired. The Project’s training center, named The Love is Blind Project, is located on a 17-acre property, near a small village outside Beijing.

The organization was founded in 2002 by a French couple, Guillaume and Delphine Gauvain.Doudianzhen Jiaodao, Liugu Daocun, Fangshan District (8031 0383, 8031 0683 (guest house), 8031 0483 (medical house) info@bethelchina.org, www.bethelchina.org爱 百福房山区, 房山区窦店镇交道六股道村 Chi Heng Foundation CHF provides education and support for AIDS orphans in Central China and promotes AIDS awareness across the country.Rm 801, Bldg 6, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5820 8574, beijing@chiheng.org) www.chiheng. org智行基金会朝阳区, 建国路93号万达广场 6楼801.

Little Flower Projects Little Flower Projects is an outreach of China Little Flower.

Since 1995, its cost-efficient projects have helped serve countless children in need. The majority of their work is focused on providing specialized care to abandoned infants and nurturing the growth and education of older disabled orphans. (info@littleflowerprojects. org) www.littleflowerprojects.org小花 Magic Hospital Magic Hospital works with sick, hospitalized, handicapped, orphaned, abused and at risk children aged 0-18 who are permanently or temporarily deprived of a carefree and fun childhood.

Unit 1402, Xingfuyuan Gongyu, 16 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (communications@ magichospital.org) magichospital.org朝阳区, 工体北路16号幸福园公寓1402 Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF) MCF is a non-profit organization that aims to enrich the lives of disadvantaged children in China through volunteering. Their main projects currently include Beijing Buddies and The Volunteer Program. www.mcfchina.org morning tears An international charity that provides aid for children whose parents are in prison or have been executed, and develops training programs for caregivers and government agencies on how to deal with traumatized children.Unit 7I, Bldg 7, Julong Garden, 68 Xinzhong Jie, Dongcheng District (8406 2467, info@morningtears.org) www. morningtears.org.cn晨露国际东城区, 新中街 68号聚龙花园7号楼7I室

Financial Services & Insurance

New Life Centre A residential center for underprivileged youth. Volunteers and donations welcome.thenewlifecentre.wix. com/thenewlifecentre

Bluestar AMG With over 10 years’ experience across six countries in Asia, the

Roundabout Roundabout is a non-

November December 2014 beijingkids

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profit organization run by volunteers that accepts donations from the community and distributes them to people in need.

They accept donations of almost anything: clothing, furniture and much more. Any items that are not needed by the charities, such such as handbags, paintings, home decor, surplus furniture and toys, are sold in their store. All proceeds fund their operation: truck hire, rent etc. The new building location is directly beside/behind Yosemite (the side towards Dragon Bay). Directions: Drive past ISB, with ISB on your left (this is Anhua Jie going west). Pass the intersection where BSB is on your right. Take the next left (leading to the back gate of Yosemite), and it is just down the road on the right past the blue and white migrant worker buildings. MonSat 9.30am-5.30pm. Yuyang Lu (behind Yosemite compound), Shunyi District (English: 137 1877 7761, Chinese: 137 1805 3814, roundaboutchina@gmail.com) www. roundaboutchina.com众爱商店顺义区, 榆阳路 （优山美地别墅后街） Sheperd’s Field Children’s Village Established by Americans Tim and Pam Baker, this orphanage in Anwei on the outskirts of Beijing near Tianjin houses 100 orphans on a six-acre facility and helps arrange medical services, surgery and adoptions for their charges. www.chinaorphans.org放羊地儿童村 The Starfish Project Founded in 2006, this socially responsible jewelry business developed in order to provide exploited women in Asia with alternate employment.

Besides helping them to build sustainable livelihoods, the Starfish Project also offers them counseling, vocational training, language acquisition, family education, healthcare access as well as housing. Support the cause by buying their jewelry or donating on their website. (volunteer@starfish-project. com) www.starfish-project.com Sun Village Sun Village is an NGO and foster home dedicated to helping children of convicts in China through education and care.

The non-profit’s site in Shunyi grows its own food, sells excess donations on weekends to raise money, and runs its own restaurant.

Visitors and volunteers are welcome, but must contact Sun Village in advance.Banqiao Village, Zhao Quanying Township, Shunyi District (6044 3523/3906, ertongcun@163. com) www.sunvillage.com.cn太阳村顺义区, 赵全营镇板桥村 United Foundation for China’s Health (UFCH) Operating in China since 2001, UFCH works through nearly 50 partner organizations to provide medical care for free or at a reduced cost to vulnerable groups such as orphans, the disabled, the abused, migrant workers and the elderly. A notable project is the Wheels for Life Community Health Van, a mobile care clinic.Rm 4002, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (5927 7125, info@unitedfoundation.org) www. unitedfoundation.org和睦家中国医疗基金会朝 阳区, 将台路2号4002室

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 on-

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location 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 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. Unit B5, Hongchang Creative Park, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District (6500 1663, service@pixstudio.com.cn) www. pixstudio.com.cn美国大卫儿童摄影，朝阳区崔 各庄红厂设计创意产业园B5单元

Community Groups & Organizations Beijing Playhouse China’s English community theater presents contemporary live semi-professional theater productions, performed in English with Chinese subtitles.

Professional acting experience not necessary and nationality not important, though ability to perform in English is required. (13718908922, performance@ beijingplayhouse.com) www.beijingplayhouse. com北京剧场，朝阳区八里庄东四环中路后八 里庄5号 International Newcomers’ Network A networking and information resource for all newcomers to Beijing. Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month except December. Function Rm, 3/F, Athletic Center, Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (8486 2225 ext 110, innbeijing@ hotmail.com) www.innbeijing.org朝阳区新源 南路6号京城大厦康乐中心3层 STARAfoodFounded 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 The Beijing Guild An informal crafts group which welcomes people of all nationalities interested in knitting, crochet and other crafts, coming together to share their passion and to meet others. Meets weekly; see website for times and locations.

Culture & Community Centers China Culture Center (CCC) From its Beijing headquarters, the Chinese Culture Club plans and organizes a diverse range of trips and cultural events (lectures, tours, courses, etc.) for those who wish to better understand and experience China, including a range of family-friendly programs.

Culture Yard Culture Yard is an international culture center, located in a traditional Chinese courtyard in the heart of Beijing. Created and run by a multi-national team of young and enthusiastic individuals, Culture Yard aims to promote language and culture learning among the local and expat communities by offering various workshops, cultural exchange activities and language training courses. Daily 9am-late. 10 Shique Hutong, Dongcheng District (8404 4166, contact@cultureyard. net) www.cultureyard.net天井越洋，东城区 石雀胡同10号 The Yin Yang Community CenterSet in a peaceful courtyard, this non-profit is dedicated to physical and spiritual rejuvenation through classes (from yoga

beijingkids 2014 December

to photography), therapy, support groups and events. Also home to a cafe and The Bookworm. Mon-Sat 8am-8pm, Sun 8am5pm. The First Courtyard, Hegezhuang Village (across from The Orchard; call for directions), Chaoyang District (6431 2108) www. yinyangbeijing.com易• 阴阳社区中心，朝阳区 崔各庄乡何各庄村一号院(果园对面）

Hair & Beauty Salons Catherine de France Hair and Beauty Salon The Catherine de France team of international and local stylists, colorists and beauticians offer a holistic hair and beauty experience. Treatments include hair services, manicures, waxing and tanning. Referral and VIP programs available.B1/F, 10 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District (135 2147 3492, 8442 5120, eastavenue@catherinedefrance.com) www.catherinedefrance.com法式美容美发沙 龙，朝阳区新东路10号地下1层 Hair & Beauty by Hummingbird Formerly Hummingbird spa, this revamped boutique hair salon will continue to provide beauty and spa treatments, but now also specializes in haircuts and styling, with celebrity stylist Tom Yuen at the helm. Daily 10am-8pm. Unit 103, Bldg 3, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6597 9119) www. hummingbird.net.cn朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号新 城国际3号楼103 Laurent Falcon Named after its artistic director from Paris, Laurent Falcon has two locations in Sanlitun and Jianwai SOHO. The salon uses products by L’Oreal and Kerastase, and offers manicure and waxing services.

1) Daily 10am-8pm. Bldg 43, Sanlitun Beijie Nan (next to Aperitivo), Chaoyang District (6417 1371, 135 0137 2971, 135 0137 3971, laurent.falcon@hotmail.com) www. laurent-falcon.com 2) Daily 10am-9pm. Shop SH-1467 G/F, Block 14, Jianwai SOHO, West Zone, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (5900 0676, 153 1311 1519, laurent. falcon@hotmail.com) www.laurent-falcon. com Laurent Falcon 巴黎发艺工作室， 1) 朝 阳区三里屯北街南43号楼 (意式餐吧旁边) 2) 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外SOHO西区14号楼1 层SH-1467号 Melonhead Melonhead is an innovative hair care and branded entertainment concept designed specifically for kids. Whether you come to Melonhead for a fantastic kid’s hair cut ,special event hairstyle, SPA treat, fun birthday party, photography, afternoon outing, or just to browse the cute games & toys, Melonhead offers a safe, comfortable and entertaining environment that will make you want to go back again. Daily 10am10pm. Rm 412, 4/F, South Bldg, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6587 1599) 朝阳区光华路9号世贸天阶南街四层412号商铺 Z Hairdressing Z Hairdressing believes in listening to each client, and creating lasting relationships. Their highly-trained team, led

by Salon Creative Director Scarlet Salmons, offers the latest cuts, colors, and styles. Daily 10am-9pm. B1-003, Building 5, 8 Xindong Lu Complex, Chaoyang District (8424 4533) 朝阳 区新东路8号院5号 楼B1-003

Spas Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat A range of luxuriant massage options in stylish, minimalist surroundings. Offers aromatherapy massage, Thai massage, foot massage and Chinese body massage. Bodhi’s Chinese therapist is trained in TCM. Daily 11am12.30am. 17 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6417 9595) www.bodhi.com.cn菩提会所，朝 阳区工体北路17号 Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreat Rapidly expanding Shanghai-based chain of high-end spas. Chinese, shiatsu and foot massages start at RMB 150 per hour. An exhaustive menu of spa packages, such as an hour each of full-body and foot massage, starts at RMB 290. 1) Daily 10am-1am. 60 Donghuamen Ave (near The Peninsula Hotel and Oriental

Plaza), Dongcheng District (6527 9368) 2) Daily 10am-1am. B1/F, Eastern Hotel, Nansanlitun Nanlu, Chaoyang District (6593 6066) 3) Daily 10am-1am. 1/F, Grand Summit Plaza, 19 Dongfang Donglu (100m north of Lufthansa Center), Chaoyang District (8532 3122) 悠庭保健会所， 1) 东城区东城区 东华门大街60号(近王府饭店和东方广场) 2) 朝 阳区朝阳区三里屯南路逸羽酒店1层 3) 朝阳区 朝阳区燕莎桥东方东路19号外交会所1层（燕莎 中心路北100米）

Veterinarians Doctors Beck & Stone Pet Health Care Center Get full, international standard, pet care with open Western and highly trained Chinese veterinarians, nurses and medical technicians. Hospitals are also emergency crisis centers. Ambulances available for collection and drop off of pets. Daily, 24 hours. 1) Unit 104, Tower B, Bldg 3, Hou Xiandai Cheng, Baiziwan Lu, Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District (8774 8653, 135 0103 0572 (emergencies), info@drbns.com) www.doctorsbeckandstone.com 2) Shop LB05, Euro Plaza,99 Yu Xiang Lu, Shunyi District, Shunyi District (8046 2886, 135 0103 0572 (emergencies), info@drbns.com) www. doctorsbeckandstone.com 3) Daily 9am-9pm.

Unit 104, Bldg 7, Compound 9, Fangyuan Nanli, Chaoyang District (8457 8233, 400 103 8686 (for appointments, pet pick-up and emergencies), info@drbns.com) www.doctorsbeckandstone.com 4) Daily 9am-7pm. Shop 0153, Tower B, Chaowai Soho, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (5869 6401, 400 103 8686 (for appointments, pet pick-up and emergencies), info@drbns.com) www.doctorsbeckandstone. com思威（北京）国际动物医院有限公司， 1) 朝阳区百子湾路后现代城3栋B座104底商 2) 顺 义区顺义区天竺镇 裕祥路99号欧陆广场LB05 3) 朝阳区芳园南里9号院7号楼104 4) 朝阳区朝阳 门外大街6号朝外SohoB号楼0153 International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS) ICVS is a professionally managed and affordable full service international standard animal hospital and pet care facility. All doctors are legally licensed in the PRC. Services include internal medicine, hospitalization, spay/neuter, soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries, dentistry, dermatology, blood tests, laboratory diagnostics, X-rays, ultrasound, legal vaccinations, prescription pet foods, behavior counseling and obedience training, import/export advice, pet adoption counseling and more. Boarding kennel, grooming salon, SAFE pet foods & pet shop available. All services in Mandarin and English. Licensed rabies vaccinations for export. Soft opening hours: 9am-8pm Tue&Thu, 9am-6pm Mon, Wed, Fri-Sun. 1316 Rongke Ganlan Chengshang Jie, Futongxi Dajie, Wangjing, Chaoyang District (8456 1939/40/41, ICVS_CHINA@yahoo.com) www.

ICVSASIA.com北京新天地国际动物医院，朝阳 区望京阜通西大街, 融科橄榄城商街13-16号

Family Travel Hotels, Hostels & Resorts Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido Located at Lido Place, the relatively-new Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido has 1,600sqm of event space, a fitness center and pool, and two dining spaces: the T-Zone Lobby Bar and Matrix (all-day dining).

Bldg A, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (6437 3388, gsm@cplido.com)北京丽都皇冠假日酒 店，朝阳区将台路6号a座 EAST Beijing Located in Jiuxianqiao, East Beijing is trendy business hotel adjacent to Indigo Mall. Restaurants include Hagaki (Japanese) and FEAST (all-day contemporary dining), with Domain on the second floor serving up fresh cafe fare and pastries. The fitness center, BEAST, features cutting-edge gym equipment and a pool while Xian Bar has good cocktails, pool tables, and surprisingly tasty pizza.22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang

District (8426 0888) www.east-beijing.com北 京东隅，朝阳区酒仙桥路22号

com北京首都机场希尔顿酒店，朝阳区北京首都 机场三号航站楼

Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast Located near the Liangmaqiao embassy district, subway Line 10, and the Airport Expressway, this five-star hotel offers 1,600sqm of meeting and banquet facilities. Rooms are equipped with LCD TVs, high-speed Internet access, and a full range of first-class amenities. Other features include a health club, heated indoor pool, full-service spa, and five restaurants.26A Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District (5927 8888) http://www.marriott. com/hotels/travel/bjses-beijing-marriotthotel-northeast/北京海航大厦万豪酒店，朝阳 区霄云路甲26号海航大厦万豪酒店

Hilton Beijing Wangfujing Located close to Tian’anmen Square, the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing claims to have some of the biggest hotel rooms in the city. Restaurants include Vasco’s for all-day dining, Chynna for Beijing duck, Flames for grill and cocktails, the Library for a literary coffee break, and the Vintage Bank for wine.8 Wangfujing Dongjie, Dongcheng District (5812 8888) www. hiltonbeijingwangfujinghotel.com北京王府井 希尔顿酒店，东城区北京王府井希尔顿酒店

China World Hotel With bragging rights to being the first super luxury hotel in town, the 716 room China World is an oldie but still a goodie thanks to its attentive service, location in the heart of the CBD and quality food outlets - especially Aria. The lobby is opulent and marble-laden enough for even the most discriminating Carraran and it leads, via an escalator, to the restaurants, offices and luxury retailers of the China World Trade Center. China World Hotel’s health club features a heated indoor swimming pool and state-of-the-art gymnasium. The gym is equipped with exercise studios, cardio-fitness machines, squash and indoor tennis courts, and steam rooms and jacuzzis. Also, the affiliated Traders Hotel (Guomao Fandian) just behind the China World Hotel is a lessexpensive alternative for business travelers.

Daily 6am-11pm. 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6505 2266, cwh@shangrila.com) www.shangri-la.com中国大饭店，朝阳 区建国门外大街1号 Conrad Hotel Beijing Located near the Tuanjiehu neighborhood, Conrad Beijing Hotel is a hotel located within walking distance of Sanlitun, the CBD and the Embassy District.29 North Dongsanhuan Road (Dongsanhuan Bei Lu) Chaoyang District Beijing, China, Chaoyang District (+86-1065846000) http://www.conradhotelbeijing. com朝阳区东三环北路29号 Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido Located at Lido Place, the relatively-new Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido has 1,600sqm of event space, a fitness center and pool, and two dining spaces: the T-Zone Lobby Bar and Matrix (all-day dining).

Bldg A, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (6437 3388, gsm@cplido.com) 北京丽都皇冠假日酒 店，朝阳区将台路6号a座 Hilton Beijing Located along the east Third Ring Road, the Hilton Beijing offers easy access to Sanlitun, the CBD and the embassy district, as well as the Airport Expressway.

Experience a higher realm of pampering and prestige with exclusivity, personalized service and upgraded amenities in the newly built nine-story Executive Tower and relax in the Executive Lounge. There are also 12 meeting rooms, as well as a fully equipped Business Center. Also has five restaurants and bars, including Pan-Asian cooking at Elements restaurant, contemporary American cuisine in One East or creative cocktails in Zeta Bar. Daily 24hrs.. 1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (5865 5000) http:// www1.hilton.com/en_US/hi/hotel/BJSHITWHilton-Beijing-hotel/index.do北京希尔顿酒店， 朝阳区东三环北路东方路1号 Hilton Beijing Capital Airport Just minutes after clearing Customs you could be taking a snooze in your room, attending a business meeting or relaxing in the spa. This stylish departure from typical airport hotels offers five-star comforts and unique convenience for people in transit, business travelers, trade fair visitors and event organizers. One minute away from Terminal 3 by 24-hour hotel free airport shuttle bus, the city center just 16 minutes away by direct rail, and the most popular tourist sites within a 40-minute drive, it’s also the perfect base for tourists.Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport, Chaoyang District (6458 8888) www1.hilton.

InterContinental Beijing Financial Street InterContinental Beijing Financial Street has a full-service spa, an indoor pool, and a sauna. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas.

This 5-star hotel features business amenities including a business center, small meeting rooms, and limo/town car service. The hotel offers 3 restaurants along with a coffee shop/ café and a bar/lounge. The staff can provide concierge services, wedding services, and event catering. Additional amenities include a 24-hour fitness facility, multilingual staff, and coffee/tea in the lobby. For a surcharge, guests have access to a roundtrip airport shuttle (available on request). Complimentary valet parking is available onsite for guests.11 Financial Street, Xicheng District (5852 5888) 北京金融街洲际酒店，西城区金融街11号 JW Marriott Standard rooms are elegantly appointed and super luxurious. Downstairs, the loungy Loong Bar aspires to the metrochic networking set, while restaurants Asia Bistro and CRU Steakhouse maintain a high standard. Rooms RMB 1,500-2,500.83 Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang District (5908 6688) 北京JW万豪酒店，朝阳区 华贸中心建国路83号 Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center Located in the heart of Beijing’s central diplomatic and business district, the Kempinski Hotel Beijing boasts a blend of European style with elements of Beijing’s rich cultural history. In addition to 526 guestrooms and suites, including four executive floors and eight no-smoking floors, the hotel also has eight fully equipped banqueting/conference facilities accommodating up to 1,300 people. The hotel also has seven restaurants and bars, including the Paulaner Bräuhaus boasting the city’s finest Bavarian food and microbrewed beer, and Kempi Deli, renowned for its gourmet European cakes and pastries. On the 18th floor overlooking Beijing’s skyline is the swimming pool of Pulse Health Club, which also includes a fitness centre, tennis courts and squash courts.The Kempinski also manages a neighbouring eight-storey complex offering 12,500 square metres of office space, 42 shops and showrooms and 170 fully furnished one to four bedroom apartments. Facing the Liang Ma River, the complex also contains a 24-hour serviced international medical centre, dental clinics and fully equipped children’s park and nursery.Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (6465 3388) www.kempinski.com/beijing凯宾斯基饭 店，朝阳区亮马桥路50号 Kerry Hotel Beijing This Shangri-La property is noted for its modern design, business-friendly amenities, kid-friendly restaurant (Horizon) as well as the city’s most popular cocktails (at Centro). The Horizon Club’s executive floor will be upgraded in the coming months The Kerry’s sports center wins kudos for its big pool, two indoor tennis courts, basketball court and rooftop track.

RMB 1,300-23,000.1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6561 8833) www.shangri-la.com北京 嘉里大饭店，朝阳区光华路1号 The Opposite House This chic boutique hotel owned and operated by Swire properties (the same group behind adjacent Village at Sanlitun) boasts a prime location, cutting-edge contemporary architecture

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by Kengo Kuma, creative units ranging from studios to penthouses fitted with rain showers, LCD TVs and nespresso coffee machines, chic bars, lounges and restaurants (Sureno, Jing Yaa Tang, and Mesh), and much more.Bldg. 1, Taikoo Li Sanlitun North, No. 11 Sanlitun Road, Chaoyang District (6417 6688, answers@theoppositehouse. com) www.theoppositehouse.com瑜舍，朝阳 区三里屯路11号三里屯太古里北区瑜舍酒店 The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing Old World elegance, plush comfort – everything you’d expect from this hallowed name, including impeccable restaurants such as the internationally themed Aroma and Yu (Cantonese/Sichuan). An in-house wedding chapel sets this hotel apart, but the 109sqm executive suites with innovatively partitioned living and entertaining quarters are where the Ritz really shines.83A Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang District (5908 8888) 北京丽思卡尔顿酒店，朝阳区建国路甲83号华 贸中心 The Westin Beijing Chaoyang Known for its wildly-popular Bubbalicious Sunday brunch, the Westin Beijing Chaoyang features 550 guest rooms and suites with contemporary furnishings and rainforest showers. Fitness facilities include Alona Pilates, an indoor pool, hydrotherapy center, and gym. Restaurants include Daily Treats for cafe fare, Exchange for afternoon tea and cocktails, Grande Grill for steaks and seafood, Mai for Japanese, Mix for live jazz and cocktails, Seasonal Tastes for all-day dining, and Zen5es for Cantonese.7 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (5922 8888) www. starwoodhotels.com/westin/property/area/ map.html?propertyID=1967金茂北京威斯汀大 饭店，朝阳区东三环北路7号 The Westin Beijing Financial Street This mega-hotel on Financial Street (West Second Ring Road) has spared no expense in meeting the high expectations of its well-heeled clientele, from its vast lobby and elegantly appointed rooms to its opulent spa and pool.

The Westin also boasts seven restaurants and bars – including Senses, which offers what many cognoscenti consider to be Beijing’s most decadent Sunday brunch. RMB 1,50021,100.9B Jinrong Jie (Financial Street), Xicheng District (6606 8866) 北京金融街威斯 汀大酒店，西城区金融街乙9号 Traders Upper East Hotel Traders Upper East Hotel: With a modern, contemporary design, this Shangri-La-managed hotel has 409 guest rooms inclusive 22 suites and a large, luxurious Traders Suite. With a Grand Ballroom suitable for up to 400 persons supported by a boardroom and 15 breakout rooms of varying sizes, the hotel is also ideally suited for meetings and banquet events.2 Dongsihuan Beilu (southeast of Xiaoyun Qiao), Chaoyang District (5907 8888) www.tradershotels.com朝阳区东四环北路2号 (霄云桥东南角)

Travel Agencies Bespoke Beijing Anti-package-tour to its core, Bespoke Beijing offers an a la carte menu of high-quality, high-value travel services so you can pick and choose the components that are relevant to you. These include car hire, tour guides and airport transfers - or take it to the next level with their expert-led signature experiences. B510, 107 Dongsi Bei Dajie, Dongcheng District, Dongcheng District (6400 0133, info@ bespoke-beijing.com) www.bespoke-beijing. com东城区东四北大街107号天海商务大厦B 座510号 Sunflower Travel Sunflower specializes in all-inclusive trips within China and in Asia. Customers can filter search results by destination, length of stay, and type (e.g. beach or culture). Mon-Fri 8.30am-6pm.

22D, Bldg B, Ginza Mall, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District (8447 6361, tours@sunflowertravel-cn.com) www. sunflowertravel-cn.com东城区东直门外大街48

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号东方银座B座22D) 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 Beijing Sideways Founded by Frenchman Gael Thoreau, Beijing Sideways takes guests on motorcycle sidecar tours of Beijing and the Great Wall. Helmets are always provided as well as blankets in the winter. Tours often depart from Worker’s Stadium, but this can be tailored to the customer. (139 1133 4947, booking@beijingsideways.com) www. beijingsideways.com TUI China Travel Co. Ltd. With its extensive international network, this German-Chinese joint venture can arrange personalized tours to destinations both domestic and worldwide.Unit 921-926, Bright China Chang An Bldg, Tower 2, 7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Dongcheng District (8519 8800, private-tours@tui.cn) www.tui. cn途易，东城区建国门内大街7号光华长安大厦 2座921-926 WildChina Wild China’s family travel experts can help you craft a unique, personalized family vacation and are happy to program kid-centric activities like visits to schools or family homes, and arts and crafts workshops. Or, sign up for one of their family-friendly standard tours (trips to the Sichuan panda reserve are a popular choice).

Rm 801, Oriental Place, 9 Dongfang Donglu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (6465 6602, info@wildchina.com) www.wildchina. com中旅特种旅游部，朝阳区东三环北路东方东 路9号东方国际大厦801室

Fun Stuff Art Schools Atelier Created by two French artists, Atelier is a school dedicated to the study of the visual, literary and performing arts. Located in the heart of Sanlitun, Atelier is a space designed for creativity. The center offers high-quality courses led by professionals in their field for children, adolescents, and adults. Current courses include drawing, painting, sculpture, sewing, as well as courses in writing and theater. Atelier also offers courses specifically designed to help students who are preparing a Bachelor of Arts and/or admission to an art school.

Atelier courses are taught in French and English; courses taught in Chinese will be offered in the near future. Atelier courses run throughout the year.Rm 202, Building C, Jinxiu Yuan, Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (6416 1614, 132 4018 4908, atelier@ atelier.cn.com) www.atelier.cn.com啊特黎尔朝 阳区幸福村中路锦绣园C楼202室 Blue Bridge Education Blue Bridge Education aims to make art accessible for everyone, with programs catering to children from ages 2-12. The centers offer courses in drawing, sculpture, photography, speech and drama, and performance arts.

Programs include Art Bug (ages 2-6), Art Lab (ages 7-18), and Art Salon (adults). 1) Rm 753, Tower A, Chaowai SOHO (north of Central Park), 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District (5900 0270) 2) Shop 118, Andersen Garden, Upper East Side, Chaoyang District (5947 2275, atelier@atelier.cn.com) eng. bluebridgeedu.com蓝桥博育国际教育 1) 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, 阳光上东安 徒生花园 118号

Cinemas

beijingkids 2014 December

Mega Box One of the more popular cinemas in Beijing, Mega Box screens both the latest Hollywood blockbusters and Chinese films.

For RMB 20 per year, their membership program is well worth it. Non-members pay RMB 80 for regular tickets and RMB 120 for 3D tickets. With the discount, members get 50 percent off on weekdays and 30 percent off on weekends and holidays. 1) 3/F, Area C, Zhongguancun Mall (West of Dinghao Mall), Haidian District (5986 3777) 2) B1/F, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6417 6118) www.imegabox.com美嘉 欢乐影城 1) 海淀区, 中关村广场购物中心C区 三层（鼎好西侧） 2) 朝阳区, 三里屯路19号三 里屯Village南区地下1层 Saga Cinema SA-42, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District (5905 6868) www.sagacinema.com传奇时代影城朝阳区, 朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾商业区SA-42 UME International Cineplex The fivefloor building is famed for its state-of-the-art equipment, clean environment and screening of recent foreign movies. It’s open all day, but half-price tickets can be snagged before 8.30pm. Nosh on the standard array of popcorn flavors or head to the nearby Pizza Hut, Subway or Haagen-Dazs to fuel up pre-show. The Cineplex’s biggest claim to fame – literally – is a 430-meter-tall screen.

Tickets RMB 50 and 60. 1) 44 Kexueyuan Nanlu, Shuangyushu, Haidian District (8211 5566) 2) 5th floor, Fuli Plaza, Shuangjing Qiao Bei, Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (5903 7171) www.bjume.com华星影院 1) 海 淀区, 双榆树科学院南路44号 2) 朝阳区, 东三 环中路双井桥北富力广场5层

Go-Karting Red1Karting Located ten minutes from Wangjing, this new go-karting track covers 6,000sqm of indoor space and 50,000sqm of outdoor space. All karts are imported and the indoor venue is heated, allowing yearround driving. Other features include a bar, café, restaurant, KTV rooms, billiards and video games. Regular price is RMB 150 per person for seven minutes (memberships and package deals available).88 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District (6430 6688, rockq@red1karting.com) www.red1karting. com瑞得万（北京）国际卡丁车场朝阳区, 来 广营东路88号

Major Attractions Drum and Bell Towers Buildings similar to the Drum Tower have stood in this vicinity for over 700 years, but the current structure dates back to 1800, when hours of the day were beaten on 24 drums. Today, the tower houses 25 drums that are beaten for visitors every half-hour between 9-11.30am and 2-5pm. Just north of the Drum Tower is the Bell Tower, named after the 500-year-old bronze beast with 10cm thick walls. Daily 9am-5pm. 9 Linzi(near Zhuyuan Hotel), Zhonglouwan Hutong, Dongcheng District (RMB 30 (through ticket to both Drum and Bell Towers)钟鼓楼东城区, 钟楼湾胡同临字9号 (竹园宾馆附近) Houhai The area commonly referred to as “Houhai” actually covers two lakes: Houhai and Qianhai. Popular with families, Houhai is worth visiting especially in winter, when the frozen lake looks like a scene by some modern-day Brueghel, with families and couples skating, playing ice hockey, and jubilantly riding on ice chairs and other fantasmagoric contraptions. There’s an old school amusement area with trampolines, electric cars and a dragon train on the southwest bank, near Kong Yiji.Dianmenwai Dajie (aka Ping’an Dadao), across from the north gate of Beihai Park, Xicheng District 后海地区西城区, 地安门外大街（北海公园北 门对面）

Play Centers Fundazzle This cavernous, indoor

playground has a huge two-story jungle gym, trampolines and a toddler area with small cars, swings, seesaws, toy houses and so on. On weekends, counselors put on shows, lead the kids in song and dance, and teach arts and crafts. RMB 50/child (weekend or weekday), three-hour limit. RMB 15/adult (weekends), free on weekdays. Mon-Fri 9am5.30pm, Sat-Sun and holidays 9am-7pm.

Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District (6593 6208) 翻斗乐朝阳区, 工体南路 Indigo Playground Created by international design firm Ballistic Architecture Machine (BAM), Indigo Playground is a free, newlyopened outdoor playground behind Indigo Mall. Suitable for ages 2-7, the playground features spinning swings and wheels, a rope climbing structure, easy rock climbing routes, two marble slides, and a mist machine for hot days. Daily 10am-10pm. Behind Indigo Mall and EAST Beijing, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8426 0898) www. indigobeijing.com 颐堤港儿童乐园朝阳区, 酒 仙桥路18号 (颐堤港和北京东隅后面) PPKIDS Opened in July 2014, this play center is designed for ages 1.5 to 8. The imported play equipment follows a jungle theme, with slides, cushioned surfaces, climbing webs, mini-trains, a spherical lookout point, roller squeezers, and a toddler area. The playground is supervised

by Chinese-speaking staff members. RMB 158 (day pass), RMB 138 (four-hour pass), discounted member cards also available. Daily 10am-10pm. Shop 375, 3/F, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8430 8145) The New City Center The New City Center has a coffee shop with a closed in playroom that includes a ball pit and slide. Programs available for all ages, including “Mommy and Me”, Phonics, Math and Art Classes as well as language lessons for adults. It also offers services including food, games and access to the playroom for birthday parties. A conference room is available to be rented. Mon-Sat 9am-5pm. 112, Lize Xiyuan, Guangshun Beidajie, Wangjing, Chaoyang District (6475 1066, info@thenewcitycenter. com) www.thenewcitycenter.com朝阳区, 望 京广顺北大街丽泽西园112号

Playgroups & Activities ABC Kids Club ABC Kids Club is a bilingual cooking club started by Chinese-American mom Hwa Wu. The classes are designed for ages 2-10 and have recently branched out into jewelry- and hat-making parties. Wu can also custom-make birthday cakes on demand. (abckidsclub@qq.com) International Festival Children’s Choir The IFCC was founded in 2006 to foster new talent and contribute to Beijing’s cultural life. It is open to children aged 7-12.

Rehearsals are held every Saturday morning from 10-11.30am. There are two terms September to December and January to May, with a concert at the end of these two terms. Auditions last about 15 minutes and auditionees will be required to sing a song of their choice, followed by a short listening test. (childrenschoir@beijingifc.org) Music Together of MiCho Education Offers weekly 45-minute classes for 0-6-yearold children and their parents or caregivers.

Activities include songs, rhythm chants, movement, and instrument play. These activities are presented as informal, nonperformance oriented musical experiences - developmentally appropriate for children and easy for parents and caregivers. 1) Club House, Apt 9, 9 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District () 2) Claire’s Music Studio, L507 Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Shunyi District (michoedu@yahoo.com.cn) http:// michoedu.com/1) 朝阳区, 朝阳公园西路9号9 室会所 2) 顺义区, 顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧 陆广场, 5层, 507室 My Little Mozart Studio Comprehensive music program offering keyboard, violin,

guitar, vocal and other instrumental lessons.

Group and private classes taught by qualified and experienced teachers. Music and movement classes for ages 0-4. Curriculum focuses on providing a well balanced music education for every student. Harmony Road music course is offered at the studio. Musical birthday parties can also be arranged.

Room 108, Building 5, Lishui Jiayuan, Liulitun, Chaoyang District (135 2256 3767, Kristinkoh@mylittlemozart.com) www. mylittlemozart.com朝阳区, 六里屯丽水嘉园 5号楼108室 The Wiggly Tots Founded by licensed Kindermusik educator Alicia Tan, The Wiggly Tots offers Kindermusik and Tutu Tots Ballet classes for newborns and toddlers. Bond with your child as you play, sing, dance, and giggle together. Your child will learn and grow through activities that stimulate brain growth, build motor skills, enhance social-emotional development, and much more. Call or email to book for a free trial class. Classes take place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am to 10.45am.Studio, 1/F, Fuli Club (R&F Club), 59 Dongsanhuan Lu, Shuangjing, Chaoyang District (183 0158 8133, info@ thewigglytots.com) www.thewigglytots.com 朝阳区, 朝阳区双井东三环路59号富力会健身 俱乐部1层

Schools Educational Services 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.14/F, 2 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (400 608 3070) theedge.com.hk朝阳区, 朝阳区工体北 路2号14层

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.org3e国际学 校朝阳区, 将台西路9-1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

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. Students represent 36 countries and local Chinese students are also accepted. BIBS’ curriculum combines Eastern and Western educational philosophies. The nutritionist-approved lunch men includes vegetarian, Muslim, Chinese and Western options made with organic produce. 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) 2) Senior School: 38 Nan Shiliju, Chaoyang District (8456 6019) 3) Wanda Kindergarten and 21st Century Kindergarten: Bldg 7, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (5960 3887) 4) Shunyi Campus: 15 Liyuan Jie, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (6456 0618) 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, 南十里居38号 3) 朝 阳区, 建国路93号万达广场7号楼 4) 顺义区, 天竺镇丽苑街15号 Beijing City International School (BCIS) The school motto of BCIS is “Empowering and inspiring through challenge and compassion.”

This non-profit, independent co-educational day school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).

BCIS offers an international curriculum for Nursery through Grade 12 students under

the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School system and is authorized 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 rigorous academic 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 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 World Youth Academy (BWYA) Beijing World Youth Academy is an IB World School offering both English and bilingual (Chinese/English) programs for local and overseas students. BWYA values holistic

Shijinglong Ski Resort Located 80km from Beijing, west of Longqing Gorge and east of Guanting Lake, this resort boasts some of Beijing’s longest trails, a snowboard park (built and maintained by French professionals) and a good snowboard shop.

Recent additions include a new intermediate run, two new lifts and a widened advance run as well as a beginner trail. Dog sledding, snow biking and hot springs also available.

Admission RMB 20 or RMB 30 (holidays).

Rental RMB 100/2hr or RMB 150/2hr (weekends). Lodging starts from RMB 200.

Take the 919 from Deshengmen to Yanqing

November December 2014 beijingkids

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education and inquiry-based learning, and offers students opportunity to develop as globally aware critical thinkers. The faculty hails from over 15 countries. BWYA emphasizes creativity and teamwork using a curriculum that incorporates standards from North America, Europe and Asia. The school has a strong track record of preparing students for top universities around the world, including Harvard, Princeton, UC Berkeley and Stanford. Age range: 6 – 18 Tuition fees (2014– 2015Academic Year) Application fee: 1,800 Capital Levy fee: 30,000 New Student fee: 2,500 International Primary School (Grade 1-5):120,000 IB Middle Year Programme (Grade 6-9): 140,000 IB Middle Year Programme (Grade 10): 160,000, IB Diploma Programme (Grade 11–12): 160,00018 Huajiadi Beili, Chaoyang District (6461 7787, admissions@ibwya.net) www.ibwya.net 北京世青国际学校朝阳区, 花 家地北里18号

www.etonkids.com伊顿双语幼儿园 1) 朝阳 区, 朝阳公园南路8号棕榈泉国际公寓 2) 朝阳 区, 朝阳门外大街6号新城国际19号楼 3) 朝阳 区, 西大望路20号 4) 崇文区, 广渠门外大街广 渠家园21号楼

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

United World College (UWC) of Changshu China Opening in 2015, United World College Changshu China is a boarding school that plans to offer the two-year IBDP program and a one-year pre-IBDP preparatory program. Maximum capacity will be 520 students. UWC Changshu China is part of the United World Colleges founded in 1962 with 14 schools worldwide. There will be full and partial scholarships available on a needs basis.1 Zhuangyuandi, Kuncheng Lake, Changshu, Suzhou, ((0512) 5298 2602, admissions@uwcchina.org) www.uwcchina. org世界联合学院, 苏州常熟昆承湖状元堤1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 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 Etonkids Bilingual Kindergartens 1) 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) 2) 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) 3) 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) 4) 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)

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Etonkids International Kindergarten 1) Lido Campus: Rm C103, Lido Country Club, Lido Place, Jichang Lu, Chaoyang District (6436 7368, Lido Campus: lidoadmin@ etonkids.com, CBD Campus: gtmadmin@ etonkids.com) 2) CBD Campus: 3/F, Block D, Global Trade Mansion, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6506 4805, Lido Campus: lidoadmin@etonkids.com, CBD Campus: gtmadmin@etonkids.com) www.etonkids.com 伊顿国际幼儿园 1) 朝阳区, 机场路丽都广场 C103室 2) 朝阳区, 光华路世贸国际公寓D座3层 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 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 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

beijingkids 2014 December

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 Beijing Huijia Kindergarten Run in conjunction with Huijia Private College (see below), Huijia Kindergarten currently has 20 different campuses across Beijing. The school follows a Multiple Intelligences curriculum and instruction is in Chinese. Currently, about one quarter of the students are international students. Ages: 2 to 6.Price Range: RMB 20,000-60,000.Head Office: 33C, Bldg B, Huating Jiayuan, 6 Beisihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (400 886 1993) www. hjkids.com北京汇佳幼儿园朝阳区, 北四环中路 6号华亭嘉园B座33C 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 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

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 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 British School of Beijing (BSB) The British School of Beijing, established in 2003, has campuses in Shunyi (primary & secondary) and Sanlitun (primary). It is the only school in Beijing approved by the UK’s Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). BSB offers an enhanced English National Curriculum to 1,500 expatriate students from more than 60 countries. Our Shunyi campus currently offers IGCSE and A-level examination programmes and from August 2014 will offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma programme.

Families are eligible for a 5% discount by paying yearly tuition fees in full. Age range: 2-18. 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 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 Western Academy of Beijing Western Academy of Beijing is an International Baccalaureate World School that boasts a “challenging and caring educational environment in which students are active participants in the learning process.” WAB provides a learner-centered atmosphere that nurtures a strong sense of community among its 1,550 students from 55 countries, with the mission to “Connect, Inspire, Challenge: Make a Difference.” Campus facilities are extensive and include a lake and model wetlands that are the foundation of its environmental science center.Age range: 3-18 years old. Tuition fees (2010/2011 Academic Year, combined total includes capital levy and tuition): Nursery RMB 85,000; PreKindergarten RMB 141,000; Kindergarten RMB 165,000; Grades 1-5 RMB 165,000; Grades 6-8 RMB 181,000; Grades 9-10 RMB 198,000; Grades 11-12 RMB 204,00010 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 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

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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

HealthPro® Swiss Made by IQAir AG With record levels of air pollution, families need an air purifier now more than ever.

Protect your health with one of HealthPro®’s top-rated air cleaning systems. HealthPro® Swiss Made by IQAir AG promises nearperfect levels of clean air with zero loss of efficiency between filter changes. The type HyperHEPA filter technology is certified to capture 99.97% on particles down 0.3 microns, and 99.5% on particles down to 0.003 microns – 800 times smaller than PM2.5. 1) Daily 9am-6pm. Rm 1801-03, Air China Plaza, 36 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District (8447 5800, info@iqair-china.com) 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 Oransi Oransi is a specialized air purifier manufacturer from the US with headquarters in Texas. It has earned a good reputation and is a market leader in the US, serving big business customers, government agencies,

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educational institutions, hospitals, and household consumers. Oransi products are made in the US and designed for China’s indoor air environments. All the products use medical-class filters with effectiveness reaching above 99.99 percent. They can effectively filter out PM2.5, dust, pollen, mold, pet dander, allergies, asthma, bacteria, gases, formaldehyde, smoke, sulfur, VOCs, ozone, and odors.Rm A056, Section B008, 3/F, 118B Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (400 665 9677, info@oransi.cn) www.oransi.cn 奥 兰希.朝阳区建国路118B号3层B008区A056室 RGF Pro-active Air Purification System Relative newcomer to the air purifier market.11/F, North Tower, Daheng Technology Towers, Suzhou Dajie, Haidian District (400 818 6660, www.dahengit.com) 美国艾洁弗主动式空气净化器海淀区, 苏州街大 恒科技大厦北座11层

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 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

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

Supermarkets April Gourmet Chain of stores purveying imported cheeses, olives and cold cuts, as well as staples like dried pasta, canned tomatoes (and beans) and cereal. Prices can be high for goods that can seem a bit shopworn. The Shunyi branch offers a small but constant “specials” section, which often features imported cookies and filter coffee.

1) Daily 8am-9pm. 1 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (8455 1245) 2) Daily 8am-midnight. 1/F Jiezuo Mansion, Xingfucun Zhonglu, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (6417 7970) 3) Bldg 7, Richmond Park, 9 Fangyuan Xili, Chaoyang District (8457 8116) 4) 8am9pm. Outside South Gate of Capital Paradise, Shunyi District (8046 4132)绿叶子食品店 1) 朝阳区, 三里屯北小街1号 2) 朝阳区, 三里屯 幸福村中路杰作大厦1层 3) 朝阳区, 芳园西里 9号院丽都水岸会所7号楼 4) 顺义区, 后沙峪乡 白辛庄名都园南门外 BHG Market Place Taiwan chain of upscale supermarkets has an extensive, albeit

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pricey, selection of goods and produce, including alcohol and organic products. 1) Daily 10am-10pm. B1, Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (6530 5888) 2) Daily 10am-10pm. SLG00, The Village at Sanlitun, Chaoyang District (6415 8226) 3) Daily 10am-10pm. SMM06, SOLANA Lifestyle Shopping Park, Chaoyang District () 4) Daily 10am-10pm. B2/F, Legend Center, Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District () 5) Daily 10am-10pm. Shop 1, B1/F, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8426 0299)http://www.aunewhub. com:8080/liliming689@126.com北京华联高级 超市 1) 朝阳区, 建国路87号新光天地B1层 2) 朝阳区, 三里屯VillageSLG00号商铺 3) 朝阳区, 蓝色港湾国际商区SMM06号 4) 朝阳区, 东三环 中路乐成中心地下二层 5) 朝阳区, 酒仙桥路18 号颐堤港商场地铁层店铺号LG01 City Shop A grocery store imported from Shanghai, with slightly hiked up prices but a more expansive selection.B/1, The Grand Summit, Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Compound (in the same building as Tavola and Starbucks), Chaoyang District (8532 3488)朝 阳区, 东方东路19号亮马桥外交公寓1号楼会所 Galati Luxury Italian Food Attached to Galati Italian Restaurant, this little store specializes in Italian luxury foods like artisan pastas, sauces, oils, and wines. A good selection of breadsticks and Italian snacks sit alongside boxes of risotto rice (RMB 68) and amaretto biscuits (RMB 23-72). If you’re an Italian coffee lover, the shop stocks a range of coffees for cafetieres, filters, and machines. Tue-Sun 10am-1pm. Pinnacle Plaza, Yuyang Lu, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District Galati 意大利高级食品顺义区, 天竺镇 榆阳路荣祥广场 Jenny Lou’s 1) Daily 8am-10pm. 6 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District (6461 6928) 2) Daily 8am-midnight. South of Chaoyang Park’s West Gate, Chaoyang District (6501 6249) 3) Daily 8am-midnight. 4 Ritan Beilu (opposite to Fancaodi Primary School), Chaoyang District (8563 0626) 4) Daily 8am-10pm. Laiguangying Donglu (opposite Heping Hospital), Chaoyang District (8470 1557) 5) Daily 8am-9pm. Inside East Lake Villa Clubhouse, Chaoyang District (6467 8018) 6) Daily 8am-10pm. Bldg 4, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District (5869 2253) 7) 8am-10pm. 101, Bldg 17, Central Park International Apartments, Chaoyang District (6533 6792) 8) Daily 8.30am-9pm. Pinnacle Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (8046 2500) www. jennylou.com.cn婕妮璐 1) 朝阳区, 三里屯北 小街6号 2) 朝阳区, 朝阳公园西门南侧 3) 朝 阳区, 日坛北路4号（芳草地小学对面） 4) 朝 阳区, 来广营东路和平医院对面 5) 朝阳区, 东 湖别墅会所里 6) 朝阳区, 东三环中路39号建外 Soho4号楼 7) 朝阳区, 新城国际17号楼101 8) 顺义区, 荣祥广场,天竺开发区裕翔路99号 Jenny Wang Grocery chain run by Jenny Lou’s sister. 1) Bldg 5, Grasse Town, Songzhuang, Tongzhou District (8951 6858) 2) Beijing Euro Village Branch, Shunyi District (8046 2316, 8046 3302) 3) Yosemite Branch, Shunyi District (8041 7063) 4) 8am-9.30pm. 丽高王府别墅区, Shunyi District (6450 8108) 5) Daily 9am-8pm. River Garden, Shunyi District (8046 5109) 6) Daily 7.30 am-10pm. Pinnacle Plaza, Shunyi District (8046 2316/3302) 7) Daily 8am-midnight.

Hairun International Apartment, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (5135 8338) www. jennyshop.com.cn1) 通州区, 通州区宋庄镇葛 渠村格拉斯小镇5号楼底商 2) 顺义区, 欧陆苑 别墅区对面 3) 顺义区, 优山美地别墅区 4) 顺 义区, Chateau Regalia Branch 5) 顺义区, 裕京花 园别墅区内 6) 顺义区, 荣祥广场 7) 朝阳区, 将台路2号海润国际公寓底商 Lohao City This organic goods and health food store sources most of its produce from its organic ranch in Miyun County, with the remainder (tropical fruits) imported from Taiwan. Highlights include 100 percent organic homemade soymilk, pickled vegetables and imported dry goods, including muesli, cookies and pasta, as well as organic

beijingkids 2014 December

and dairy-free chocolates. Check out the flower and plant shop with cute baby cacti and bonsai, as well as a corner devoted to an assortment of hi-tech Japanese pillows. 1) Daily 9am-10pm. 1-19 Haoyun Jie, Chaoyang District (5867 0270/0265) 2) Daily 8am-9pm.

608 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (8046 6242 ext 801) 3) Daily 8am-10pm.

Shop 101, Bldg 17, Central Park International, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6533 6465) 4) Daily 8am-10pm.

52 Jingshun Lu (Near Sunhe Qiao), Shunyi District (8459 0134) 5) Mon-Thu 8am-10pm, Fri-Sun 8am-11pm. Bldg 5, 10A, 76 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu, Chaoyang District (8772 4133 ext 806/807) 6) Daily 10am-9.30pm. 13104B, Beichen Lifestyle Plaza, No.8 courtyard, Beichen Donglu, Chaoyang District (8498 5950) 7) Daily 8am-10pm. 103, Building 15, China Central Place, 6A Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang District (6530 5181) 8) Daily 8am10pm. B1/F, Yinzuo Mall, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6415 0104) 9) 1/F, 5 Vanke Park, Tianshui Xiyuan, Chaoyang District, (6599 6287) www.lohaocity.com乐 活城 1) 朝阳区, 好运街乙1-19 2) 顺义区, 天 竺荣祥广场608号 3) 朝阳区, 朝外大街6号新城 国际二期17号楼101 4) 顺义区, 京顺路52号(靠 近孙河桥) 5) 朝阳区, 百子湾南二路76号5号楼 10A 6) 朝阳区, 北辰东路8号院北辰生活广场 131-04B 7) 朝阳区, 西大望路甲6号华贸公寓15 号楼103号 8) 朝阳区, 东城区东直门外大街48 号银座MALL地下一层 9) , 乐活城：朝阳区甜 水西园万科公园5号一层 Metro Cash & Carry Warehouse-style supermarket sells groceries and goods at wholesale prices to members. 1) 6am-10pm.

35 Dayangfang Lu, Chaoyang District (8738 6888) 2) 6am-10pm. 1 Xinjiangongmen Lu, Haidian District (6286 9888) 3) 111 Jingshun Lu, Chaoyang District (8455 6888)http:// www.metro.com.cn/metro/front.do?go=WEB_ HOMEPAGE_PG_Index麦德龙 1) 朝阳区, 大 羊坊路35号居然之家旁 2) 海淀区, 新建宫门路 1号 3) 朝阳区, 京顺路111号 Olé Supermarket French chain sells groceries, wine and household items at premium prices. 1) B1, Seasons Place, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District (6622 0389/0491) 2) B1/F, China World Shopping Mall, Jianwai Dajie, Chaoyang District () 3) 东方新天地商场地铁层BB01A号, Dongcheng District () 4) 9am-9pm. B1/F, Donghuan Guangchang, 29 Dongzhongjie, Dongcheng District (6418 1006) 5) 10am-10pm.

B101,B1/F,Shimao Tianjie, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6587 1509) 6) 10am10pm. B1/F, Ginza Mall, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District (8447 7668) 7) 10am-9pm. B1/F, Jinrongjie Gouwu Zhongxin, 2 Jincheng Fangjie, Xicheng District (6622 0461) 8) 10am-10pm. Xindongan Guangchang, 135 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District (6512 4855) 9) 10am10pm. B203, B2/F, Beijing Shoudu Shidai Guangchang, 88 Xichang Anjie, Xicheng District (8391 5006) http://www.crv.com.cn1) 西城区, 金城坊街2号金融街购物中心B1 2) 朝 阳区, 建外大街国贸商城地下一层 3) 东城区, BB01A, The Malls at Oriental Plaza 4) 东城区, 东中街29号东环广场B座地下一层 5) 朝阳区, 光华路9号世贸天阶地下一层B101 6) 东城区, 东直门外大街48号银座Mall地下一层 7) 西城区, 金城坊街2号金融街购物中心地下一层 8) 东城 区, 王府井大街135号新东安广场 9) 西城区, 西长安街88号北京首都时代广场地下二层B203室 Sanyuanli Market This excellent market is where many western restaurants and international grocery stores buy wholesale; it is also a dear friend to many amateur chefs.

Many of the items available at Sanyuanli are difficult to find elsewhere in Beijing. There are exotic fruits and vegetables like mangoes, star fruit, lemongrass, brussel sprouts and porcini; fresh seafood; cheeses; fresh herbs and imported condiments like herbs, thyme, oregano, rosemary, parsley and fish sauce; frozen goods like burritos, pies and berries; and dry goods like coffee, beans, spices and pasta, bulk chocolate. The prices can be very wholesale-like, but these vendors know they are popular with foreigners and

quote their prices accordingly. A half kilo of mint only costs RMB 7, and RMB 30 can get you a good-sized bag of basil. Daily 5am7pm. Shunyuan Jie (opposite Jingkelong Supermarket, west of Sanyuan Dongqiao), Chaoyang District三源里市场朝阳区, 顺源街 （三元东桥往西京客隆超市对面） Schindler’s German Food Center Your one-stop wienerschnitzel wunder. In addition to sausages and other tantalizing raw and cooked meats, Schindlers stocks a wide selection of imported cheeses, including Emmental, gruyère, cheddar and several goudas. Slap that meat and cheese across a freshly baked baguette or rye, add a bottle of imported wine or Ukrainian honey pepper vodka, and you’ve got yourself a tasty sandwich and a drink. Daily 10am-7pm.

15 Zaoying Beili, Maizidian, (800m east of Nongzhanguan Beilu), Chaoyang District (6591 9370)http://www.crv.com.cninquiries@ mylocalstore.cn德国食品中心朝阳区, 麦子店枣 营北里15号（农展馆北路往东800米）

Sports Basketball Falcons Basketball Club Based out of Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) and the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB), Falcons Basketball Club is a youth basketball program aimed at ages 6-19. The first hour of each session focuses on fun drills and games to teach and reinforce the fundamentals of basketball: footwork, dribbling, shooting, and situational team play and skills. During the second hour, players are split into teams for half-court and full-court games.

The club provides after-school activities, weekend and weekday community programs, and development team programs. (hui. tu@beijingfalconsbasketball.com) www. beijingfalconsbasketball.com北京菲尔肯斯篮 球俱乐部 NBA Yao School Wukesong Hi-Park (inside Wanshida Sports Stadium), Fuxing Lu, Haidian District (service@nbayaoschool.com) www.nbayaoschool.comNBA姚明篮球学院， 海淀区复兴路五棵松篮球公园（北京万事达体 育中心）

Climbing 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 Beijing Kickers is the first German youth football club in Beijing. Their year-round junior coaching program is intended for boys and girls aged 3-11. Lessons are held in German and English. Through innovative and age-appropriate training methods, experienced coaches will enhance children’s soccer skills and focus on moral values, education through sports, communication, enthusiasm and passion.Rm 3053, Bldg 1, 5 Liufang Nanli, Chaoyang District (info@ beijingkickers.com) www.beijingkickers.com 朝阳区柳芳南里甲5号1号楼3053 ClubFootball Established in 2001, ClubFootball coached over 3,000 kids aged 4.5 and over in 2013. Full-time English FA/ UEFA qualified coaches deliver programs at 30 venues in Beijing and Tianjin. Programs

range from skills courses for beginners to all-girls groups, holiday courses and advanced junior league teams. Call for a free taster session or league tryout. Daily 9am-6pm. Unit A316, Door 3, Zone A1, Bldg 51, Zhaowei Huadeng Plaza, 14 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (5130 6893/4/5/6, activities@ wanguoqunxing.com) www.wanguoqunxing. com万国群星足球俱乐部，朝阳区酒仙桥路14号 兆维华灯大厦51号楼A1区3门A316

Ice Skating All Star Champion Skating Club All Star Ice Rink was founded by Wang Rui, figure skating gold medalist in the 1999 Asian Winter Games, and Li Ning, the legendary gymnast who lit the torch during the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. Located on the first floor of Solana mall, the ice rink covers 800 square meters and uses equipment that meets international standards, creating a rink fit for both entertainment and professional competition. For adolescents new to the sport, All-Star offers classes. Especially precocious athletes can request coaches from the Chinese national skating team.

Private lessons (Chinese only) are priced at RMB 135-200/40min. RMB 30 (Before 6 pm), 40 (After 6pm), 50 (Holidays & Weekends) for admission. Daily 10am-10pm. 1/F, Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu., Chaoyang District (5905 6328) 全明星滑冰俱乐部， 朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾 国际商区首层 Center Ice Asia Run by the people behind Hockey Night in Canada and Houhai Pond Hockey Tournament, Center Ice Asia has ice skating programs for everyone, including kids, adult beginners, figure skaters, and hockey players. The emphasis is on fun, health, and safety, with certified international coaches and holiday camps. 1) Tue-Fri 1-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. Haotai Ice Sports Center Maquanying, Quanfa Garden North Gate, 2 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District () 2) Tue-Fri 1-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-9pm. Haotai Ice Sports Center, Xinglong Park, Chaoyang Lu, Gaobeidian, Chaoyang District (info@ centericeasia.com) www.centericeasia.com 1) 朝阳区香江北路2号全发花园北门浩泰冰上 运动中心马泉营 2) 朝阳路兴隆公园内 浩泰冰 上运动中心 Dulwich Ice Rink In addition to offering ice skating and ice hockey courses for ages 4-18 through its Dulwich Community Programmes, Dulwich College Beijing opens its ice rink to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.

Admission costs RMB 50 (including skate rentals). Sat 3.30-7pm, Sun 10am-6pm.

Dulwich College Beijing, Legend Garden Villas, 89 Capital Airport Road, Shunyi District (6454 9150, dcp@dulwich-beijing.cn) www. dulwich-beijing.cn德威英国国际学校冰场，顺 义区首都机场路89号丽京花园7区北京德威英 国国际学校 Le Cool Chills and spills for skaters and shoppers at this small indoor rink in the World Trade Center. Be warned that the rink can get seriously crowded with ice princesses on holidays and weekend afternoons. Weekdays: RMB 30 for 90 min (10am-6pm), RMB 40 for 90 min (6-10pm).

Weekends: RMB 50 for 90 min. Skate rental included. Daily 10am-10pm. B2/F, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District (6505 5776, lecool@cwtc. com) www.lecoolicerink.com国贸溜冰场，朝阳 区建国门外大街1号国贸地下2层

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 () 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 Jinghua Wushu Association Traditional, combat-style Chinese wushu for kids ages 5 and up, taught in English by teachers from Shaolin. The youngest aspiring masters start off with moves based on different animals; older, more experienced learners study traditional Shaolin forms. Beijing Riviera: Mon 4.30-5.30pm (ages 4-7), Wed 5-6 pm (ages 4-7). Kempinski Pulse Club: Thu 5-6.30pm (ages 7-9), Sat 3-4.30pm (ages 7-9), Sat 4.30-6pm (ages 7-9), Sun 4-5.30pm (ages 4-6). Adult classes and private lessons also available. RMB 700/ten classes.F1, Pulse Health Club, Kempinski Hotel Apartment, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu., Chaoyang District (135 2228 3751 (English/French), 131 4107 2677 (English/Chinese) jinghuawushu@yahoo.com. cn, www.jinghuawushu.com朝阳区 亮马桥路 50号凯宾斯基饭店公寓地下1层都市脉搏俱乐部 Xie’s Martial Arts Academy (XMA) Xie’s Martial Arts Academy (XMA) was founded in 2005 by Master Xie, a 32nd generation disciple of the Shaolin Temple with a Masters of Education from Beijing Sport University.

Xie’s Shaolin Kung Fu Style is a unique mixed martial arts system that combines traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Karate and Western martial art styles. XMA’s wide range of self-defense styles creates a well-rounded, disciplined martial art. Age: 3 and above. Classes are offered after school and on weekends.

Private classes are available. Venue: Beijing City International School, Western Academy of Beijing, The British School of Beijing (Sanlitun) and International School of Beijing. (xmamasterxie@gmail.com) www.xmabj.com

profit 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 朝阳区将台路6 号丽都乡村俱乐部2层

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

Skiing & Snowboarding Badaling Ski Resort Badaling has two 800m long ski runs and a 2,300m snowmobile run.

It also has sledding runs and a ski lodge with accommodation, food and drinks, stores and a gym. Any kid over 3 is welcome to take a shot at the slopes! RMB 220 (weekdays), RMB 260 (weekends). Daily 8.30am-6.30pm. Badaling Town, Yanqing County (6912 9911)八达岭滑雪 场延庆县, 八达岭镇 Genting Resort Secret Garden Located three hours northwest by car from Beijing, Genting Resort Secret Garden is a resort that offers all-year activities, including summer sports in the warmer months and skiing in the winter.Wutong Dadao, Taizi City, Chongli County, Zhangjiakou, Hebei Province, Outside Beijing (400 168 1234) www.

secretgardenresorts.com密苑云顶乐园北京市 外, 河北省张家口市崇礼县太子镇梧桐大道 Le Cool Town Built in the style of a European ski resort, Le Cool Town (also known as Yulongwan) has dedicated runs for snowboarders in addition to standard ski runs. Most of the runs are appropriate for intermediate and advanced snowboarders and skiers. For those who don’t like the white stuff, there’s also a spa, restaurants, cafes, and shopping in the village.Kouzi Mountain, Tuancheng Village, Tangbaitou Town, Yutian County, Hebei, Outside Beijing (0315 767 2783, 400 110 8799, bjskiweb@yahoo.cn) www.longwanski.com玉龙湾乐酷小镇北京市外 河北玉田县唐白头镇团城村口子山 Nanshan Ski Village One of the area’s top ski resorts, Nanshan has ten well-groomed trails for skiers of all levels and a snowboard park (Nanshan Mellow Park) with a halfpipe, four kickers and six rails - all served by a quadruple chairlift, a double chairlift and nine T-bars. Nanshan has many ski and snowboard instructors - some trained by the Austria Snowboard Association - and it is also home to snowboarding camps organized by the Icon X store, which uses only Burton gear. Visit this all-season facility in summer for water skiing, grass skiing and paragliding. Entrance RMB 20. RMB 100/2 hrs (Mon-Fri) RMB 150/2 hrs (Sat-Sun), RMB 140/4 hrs (Mon-Fri) RMB 200/4 hrs (Sat-Sun), RMB 220/ full day (MonFri) RMB 360/full day (Sat-Sun). Sledding is RMB 50/30 mins. Lodging available (RMB 320360). Daily 8.30am-5.30pm. Shengshuitou Cun, Henanzhai Town, Miyun County (8909 1909) www.nanshanski.com北京南山滑雪滑水 度假村有限公司密云县河南寨镇圣水头村

Space in the magazine directories is extremely limited; priority is given to advertisers, and venues and/or organizations covered in this month’s issue. For a complete directory of listings, visit the beijingkids website at www. beijing-kids.com.

Misc Sports 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. (info@ heyrobics.com) 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 Imagine From the founder of O’le Music and O’le Afloat. Offers skiing, sailing and other water sports, rollerblading, and music programs such as Trash Bash and Shout! Rock Choir. With a team of skilled international instructors, experienced in their specific fields.

The organization hold sannual competitions such as International Schools Snowsports Championships China (ISSCC) and Boat Race of International School China (BRISC).(info@ imagine-china.com) www.imagine-hina.com Sports Beijing Sports Beijing is a non-

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Favorite Family Restaurant It’s hard to pin down just one: Hatsune for Japanese, Blue Frog for burgers and comfort food, Annie’s for Italian (and the kids can make their own pizza), and Najia and Da Dong for Chinese.

Favorite Winter Activities We enjoy skiing and tubing, although we’re amateurs and often come back with bruises and muscle aches! This year we will celebrate the arrival of winter by learning how to snowshoe.

Best Place to Shop Our favorite is Indigo Mall.

Favorite Dessert Giggles and delight always follow the decision to head to Kempi Deli for pastries.

Crêpanini is a hit with the kids as well.

Date Night Morton’s of Chicago is our clear favorite, with Capital M always delivering a charming experience too.

Favorite Day Trip We were pleasantly surprised by the nature reserve around Nanhaizi Park in southern Beijing. It once served as imperial hunting grounds and is now an ecological showcase for milu [Père David’s deer], with a majestic lake for fishing and plenty of green space for family excursions.

Family Rituals Lex has taken a keen interest in painting and shows us his mastery of the palette every Sunday morning. Now to find more room on the walls for every new piece of art!

The Kids Beg Us For For a quick break from the books, we go to LEGO Education Centers, which has opened a new location steps away from home.

The Lau Family

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riginally from New York, the Lau family moved to Shanghai in 2005, then to Beijing in 2006.

Mom Cici Zhang is the head of finance and accounting for Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing), while dad Alex Lau is the communications and brand enablement manager for IBM’s Asia Pacific operations. They have two kids born and raised in Beijng: Lex (age 5), who attends YCIS Beijing, and Caylin (almost 2), who can’t wait to start school. We caught up with Cici to find out what she and her family like to get up to in their free time. Sijia Chen photo: ken

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From left: Dad Alex Lau, Lex (age 5), Caylin (almost 2), and mom Cici Zhang at Indigo Mall beijingkids 2014 August