beijingkids Jan 2014

January 2014 Paint the Town Red How Chinese families celebrate Spring Festival

The Cat’s Miao Beijing’s best temple fairs

School Intentions Students share their new year’s resolutions

Around the World in 16 15 Cuisines From Greek to Korean food, expand your family’s culinary horizons

January 2014 Contents

46

24

Features 46

Salt of the Earth

Health 24

Silent Epidemic

25

The Natural Path

26

The Doc Is In

Sixteen world cuisines, 16 restaurants

72

The Brunch Bunch

The lowdown on diabetes, China’s biggest long-term threat

Five family-friendly hotel brunches

Have your veggies and eat them too, says Melissa Rodriguez Dr. Richard bones up on calcium facts

Living 17

From the Blog

18

Noticeboard

20

Indulge

22

Talking Shop

“I did it for my family,” reveals Chinese tennis star Li Na Community news and announcements Tara Talabi gets festive at Salon DePark

Playing 28

What’s Fun In A primer on Beijing’s various temple fairs

32

Playing Inside What Spring Festival means to locals

34

Family Travels The Buchmuellers reunite with friends in Spain

Book it to Star Kids Children’s Bookstore

23

Birthday Bash

Learning

Thrills and spills at the Adventure Zone

36

Showing Promise Daystar students share their new year’s resolutions

January 2014 Contents

40 40

28

Blank Canvas Artwork by Jiade Montessori Bilingual Kindergarten

Parenting 44

Beijing Baba Eating out is not an option for Christopher Lay

45

Directories

The Roundtable BWYA teens chew on junk food

42

16 74 76 78 78 78 79 81 81

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

Alternate Routes Jennifer Ambrose recounts the story of a favorite restaurant

Essentials 9 10 12 14 16

Editor’s Note January Calendar Top 10 Things to Do in January January Events New Arrivals

82

The Circuit

Say hello to Beijing’s smallest Happenings in the Beijing family scene

96

Family Favorites The Volcsey family

ON THE COVER: Isaac Zachrisson (age 7) is from Sweden. His favorite foods are pizza and mac and cheese, and his favorite restaurant is Annie’s because “the food is better and people are nice.” Isaac attends the British School of Beijing, Shunyi.

When he’s not being buried in produce by the beijingkids team, he enjoys tennis, video games, and playing with friends. Photo by Littleones Kids & Family Portrait Studio.

Special thanks to Fairmont Hotel Beijing for providing the venue.

《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: January 1, 2014

Adviser 顾 问

2014 年 1 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1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 School Editor

Wei Liang 位亮 Sijia Chen Aisling O’Brien

Staff Writer

Oscar Holland

Web Editor

Nimo Wanjau

Shunyi Correspondent Staff and Special Project Writer Editorial Assistant Contributing Writers

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

Yun Pengju 恽鹏举

Fax 传真 Printing 印刷 Address 本刊地址

Dana Cosio-Mercado Clemence Jiang Morgan Shang Jennifer Ambrose, Christopher Lay, Melissa Rodriguez, Dr. Richard Saint Cyr

ROBERT MILLER (Canadian) 罗伯特 · 米勒 (加拿大) XIA WEI 夏巍 6522 5376 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 5820 7700 / 5820 7883 58207895 C&C JOINT PRINTING CO., (BEIJING) LTD. 北京华联印刷有限公司 WOMEN OF CHINA English Monthly 《中国妇女》英文月刊 15 Jianguomennei Dajie, Beijing 100730, China 中国北京建国门内大街15号 邮编:100730

国际标准刊号

ISSN1000 9388

国内统一刊号

CN11-1704/C

The beijingkids Board A Publication of

True Run Media 出版制作

Jacquie Golding Van Wyk

A proud mother of four, Jacquie has lived in Beijing for five years. She is a businesswoman and writer who actively assists her husband with his adventure business. Find out about their tour packages at www.ultimatewildsurvival.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

Charlotte Moreau

Charlotte is the former beijingkids Shunyi correspondent.

Originally from Michigan, this on-the-go mom of two girls juggles freelance writing, substitute teaching, and CrossFit. After more than six years in Beijing, her family will move back to the US in June 2014.

Tel/电话: 5820 7100 / 7700 Fax/传真：5820 7891 Advertising Hotline/广告热线：5820 7700 /5820 7883 General Manager Michael Wester Operations Director Toni Ma

Victor Wong

Victor is a tech geek, serial entrepreneur, and the proud father of two boys. His latest venture is connecting parents and kids through mobile learning apps. Learn more at www.SmarTots.com.

Editorial Director Jerry Chan

Yanhong Wheeler

Managing Editor Sijia Chen School Editor Aisling O’Brien Staff Writer Oscar Holland Web Editor Nimo Wanjau Shunyi Correspondent Dana Cosio-Mercado

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.

Staff and Special Project Writer Clemence Jiang Editorial Assistant Morgan Shang Marketing Manager Shana Zhang

beijingkids Brand Manager Lia Tjahjodihardjo Art Director Susu Luo Production Manager Joey Guo

Johanna Selth

Johanna is one busy mom. When she’s not looking after her two kids, Johanna supplies Beijing parents with must-have imported baby gear from her store, BabyGro. Contact her at johanna@babygro.com.cn.

Principal Designer and Illustrator Sun Zheng

Christopher Lay

Advertising Designer Yuki Jia Photographers Mitchell Pe Masilun, Sui, Ken Sales Manager Ivy Wang Sales Team Sheena Hu, Maggie Zhang, Amy Sun, Anna Rudashko, Wendy Lv, Winter Liu Finance Judy Zhao HR & Admin Cathy Wang, Siyu He Distribution Cao Yue

Christopher’s many jobs include dad, writer, photographer and all-round nice guy. Catch him in beijingkids’ Beijing Baba column or visit his blog, www.alive.tom.com/chrislay.com.

Liu Nan

Liu Nan, also known as Chu Chu, is a native Chinese mother.

When she is not out with her baby girl in search of food and fun, she sells imported baby products on Taobao. Check out aibaimm.taobao.com.

General Inquiries 5820 7700

Michelle Liu

Editorial 5820 7700 ext 887 Distribution 5820 7700 ext 866 Fax 5820 7895

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

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

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

Contact her at mtliu123@yahoo.com.

AJ Warner

AJ is father to two boys who attend Daystar Academy. These days, he is valiantly trying to balance his company and his family. Weekends are dedicated to the boys, while weekdays focus on helping Chinese college students gain admission to graduate schools in the UK and US. Learn more at www.touchdown.org.cn.

Want to Join?

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

Flying with Young Children (tinyurl.com/q7xtuyn) Our parent blogger takes other families through the challenge of flying with young kids during the busy holiday period.

WEB ROUNDUP

Smogcast App: Tomorrow’s Pollution Forecast Today (tinyurl.com/mprtxev) There is an app for virtually everything. Now, Beijingers can download a smog app that predicts pollution levels for the next day. Check out our blog for the details.

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

ON THE FOR

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oor this fun outd orts Beijing, na l io at rn Offered by Sp e In te a ho m e at th er st gi re to sp or t fin ds w t ho ijing. Find ou School of Be on our blog.

Let’s Go Pla y Center in Wangjing – Anyone Bee n? (tinyurl.com/k 7a6jou)

User johannas elth is lookin g for a venu to celebrate e her son’s fifth birthday and wants to know what other pa rents think of the Let’s Go Play Center in Wangjing.

Share your ex periences on our forum.

Editor's Note

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rowing up Chinese-Canadian in Quebec, cultures constantly clashed in my household and food was at the frontlines of the struggle. While my sister and I clamored for spaghetti and Popsicles, Grandma bluntly served up tripe and chicken feet.

Coming home to a sink full of jellyfish was a perfectly normal occurrence, as was finding dried worms and plastic containers full of soft, watery tofu (“brains,” according to my sister) in the fridge.

Once, Mom caved in and bought us a tub of Smarties ice cream. We salivated at the frozen multicolored stripes dotted with candy-covered chocolate buttons, but were forbidden from having much more than a thimble’s worth at a time.

One day, she left us in Grandma’s care to run errands. My sister and I waited for our slow-moving warden to settle into her afternoon nap, then sprang the ice cream from the freezer and ate the entire tub. By the time Mom got home, Grandma was nursing two drooping children who’d made a rainbow-colored mess in the toilet.

Food battles extended outside the home. In kindergarten, Mom often packed a whole tomato in my lunch box. At snack time, the other kids would give me funny looks before biting into their enviably dull apples and bananas. And sweets? Forget it; I was lucky if I got dried prunes, candied ginger, or rubbery coconut strips, never mind Oreos or Dunk-a-Roos.

In primary school, Mom experimented with more “western” lunches – or in other words, whatever was on sale at Costco at the time. My sister and I cycled through a Russian roulette of predominantly brown and yellow foods: chuck wagon sandwiches (bologna, ham, salami, and cheese), Jamaican patties, fish sticks, Pillsbury Pizza Pops – you name it.

But it wasn’t all bad. Growing up in a city as diverse as Montreal meant that I could be eating Middle Eastern manakish, Greek souvlaki, Jewish latkes, Indian samosas, or Quebec poutine in any given week. At the same time, I loved having friends over for a bowl of wonton soup or a plate of dumplings. They might gawk at the dried wood ears and pork floss in our pantry, but their kitchens contained equally bizarre

ons with a friend Watching carto

things from their own home countries.

In Guangzhou, I experienced a number of “firsts” during my time at international school: my first plate of Korean japchae (sweet potato noodles stir-fried with sesame oil and vegetables), my first Anzac biscuit (a sweet biscuit made of rolled oats and named after the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps), and my first pigeon in a coconut (a Cantonese delicacy, apparently).

On family trips, food was the key to each destination. In Thailand, we sighed over crunchy papaya salads and monstrous tiger prawns.

In Malaysia, it was banana fritters and creamy laksa lemak. Even on comparatively dull trips to see relatives in southwest China, we uncovered steaming baba (a kind of chewy pancake from Yunnan with sweet or savory fillings) and new, even more pain-inducing varieties of Chongqing hotpot.

In Beijing, we have practically all of the above. Even poutine, the heart-stopping trio of fries, cheese, and gravy from my home province, can be found at 4Corners just south of the Drum and Bell Towers. If there’s nothing to eat at home, grab the kids and start exploring the city’s food scene (p46). Dig in!

Sijia Chen Managing Editor January 2014

beijingkids

9

JANUARY Mon

TUE

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

Upload it at www.beijing-kids.com/events by January 13.

WED

THU

FRI

How to Breathe in Beijing

All ages. BJU’s and beijingkids health columnist Dr. Richard Saint Cyr dispels myths about air pollution. See Jan 14 listing.

Imperial Chinese Dishes

For adults. Learn how to make Chinese dishes. See Jan 8 listing.

For adults. Impress your guests with cooking fit for kings. See Jan 9 listing.

beijingkids and JingKids 2014 Spring School Choice Fair

Between Two Worlds: Debunking Myths in Bilingual Education

All ages. Pre-registration for the beijingkids and JingKids 2014 School Choice Guide Fair (March 1-2) starts on our website. See Ongoing listingd.

For adults. Keystone Academy gives a talk on effective bilingual education. See Jan 16 listing.

A Midsummer Night´s Dream by Northern Ballet Theatre

Art Class for Homeschoolers at Atelier

Reduce Stress and Stop Anxiety

New Year’s Performance and Fun Fair: Beautiful China

Ages 6-12. Homeschooled kids get to create art using different types of media. See Jan 20 listing.

For adults. International SOS shows attendees how to manage stress. See Jan 21 listing.

All ages. YCIS Beijing students perform for Chinese New Year.

See Jan 22 listing.

For teens and adults. Learn how to turn plain t-shirts, canvas, and other surfaces with your own designed stencil through screenprinting. See Feb 3 listing.

10

beijingkids

A Harrow Celebration

Happy Spring Festival

Ages 3-18. Harrow kicks off the Chinese New Year with activities, performances and a temple fair.

See Jan 29 listing.

All ages. Today is the first day of Chinese New Year; find out how a local family celebrates in Playing Inside (p32).

All Is Fair

Screen Printing Workshop at Atelier

2014 January

For teens and adults. Watch one of Shakespeare’s most memorable plays told through dance. See Jan 23 listing.

All ages. Experience traditional Chinese culture by attending one of the temple fairs to held in various locations around town. See What’s Fun In (p28).

photos: dana cosio-mercado, jake werner, flickr users helgas lobste stew, andrew m(eye)r vitali, itjournalist, epicfireworks and wikimedia commons

89 141516 20212223 29 31 3 5 Tastes of China

KEY

Playing

Food/Dining

Sport

Culture/Education

SAT

Community/Networking

SUN

11 12 18 19 25 26 1 2 8 9

Open Day at Luma Lu Studio

Caution: This Is a Fun Zone

For adults. Hone your photography, visual effects and video editing skills.

See Jan 11 listing.

Ages 3-12. Check out the Kerry Center’s new Adventure Zone. See Birthday Bash (p23).

2013 Temple Fair at Beijing City International School

All ages. BCIS celebrates Chinese New Year with its sixth annual temple fair.

See Jan 18 listing.

Cooking Classes: Home-Style Dumplings

For adults. Learn how to make this Chinese staple with meat or vegetables.

See Jan 25 listing.

Experience the World in Beijing

All ages. You don’t have to leave town to sample international cuisines. For reviews, see Features (p46).

Not a Sweet Deal

All ages. Get the facts on coping with diabetes in Health (p24).

Spring Festival Ski Trip

Brunching Out

Ages 3+. Take a trip to Wanlong to enjoy some downtime during Chinese New Year with O’le Ski. See Feb 1 listing.

All ages. Explore what Beijing Hotels have to offer on weekend brunches.

See Features (p72).

Retail Therapy

One Food…

LittleKid’s JeepJunk (in Chinese)

All ages. Star Kids Children’s Bookstore may just have the best kids’ book selection in town. See Talking Shop (p22).

All ages. teen’s perspective on For ages Get 3-12.a The Little Jeep is the junk food from of BWYA students in The Chinese version Thomas the Tank EnRoundtable (p40). gine.

In Chinese only. See Jan 1 listin

January 2014

beijingkids

11

Essentials Top 10

January Top 10

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

Upload it at www.beijing-kids.com/events

by January 13.

beijingkids and JingKids 2014 Spring School Choice Fair The 2014 School Choice Fair (March 1-2) brings together schools and education consultants to help Beijing families figure out their schooling options. Pre-registration begins January 15 on our website.

See Events (p14) for details.

Around the World in 15 Cuisines

A Fair for the Dramatic

1

2

The diversity of Beijing’s expat community means that there are tons of world cuisines right on our doorstep.

Take advantage with our guide to 16 international restaurants (including several Chinese regional cuisines) in Features (p46).

3

Temple fairs are annual events featuring traditional performances, vendors, and activities. Several schools host their own, including BCIS, YCIS Beijing, and Harrow. For details, see Events (p14). For a primer on Beijing’s best temple fairs, turn to What’s Fun In (p28).

Hotel brunches have it all: fine foods, entertainment, and space for kids to run around in. For our take on five of the city’s most family-friendly hotel brunches, see Features (p72).

4 12

beijingkids

2014 January

Photos: wikimedia commons and flickr users gary knights and kfoodaddig

Out to Brunch

Top 10 Essentials Gallop into the Year of the Horse

Promises, Promises

Spring Festival (or Chinese New Year) is the most important holiday on the Chinese lunar calendar. Find out how locals mark the occasion, from food to decorations, in our interview with the Liu-Lei family (p32).

It happens every year: On January 1, people across the world pick a new year’s resolution to follow (and, more often than not, flake out on). Find out what school-age kids from Daystar Academy are pledging for 2014 in Schooled (p36).

5

Lace Up for Some Winter Fun

6

8

Book It to Star Kids

9

From long-time outdoor favorites like Houhai Lake and Dragon Bay to indoor venues like All Star Champion Skating Club and Le Cool, get your winter skating fix all around town. For reviews, search the archives on our website (www.beijing-kids.com).

Page One is nice and all, but few bookstores can beat Star Kids Children’s Bookstore in Shunyi for children’s book selections.

For a review, see Talking Shop (p22).

Let Things Slide

Diagnosing Diabetes

7

Steep slides, a role-playing village for younger kids, and colorful cartoon-themed playrooms are highlights of the Adventure Zone, the new indoor play center at Kerry Hotel, Beijing. Check Birthday Bash (p23) for details.

10

Diabetes is close to reaching epidemic proportions in China, but most people understand neither the differences between type 1 and 2 diabetes nor the factors that contribute to the disease. Find out how one Beijing family deals with their son’s condition in our Health feature (p24).

January 2014

beijingkids

13

KEY

Essentials Events Playing

Food/Dining

Sport

Culture/Education

Community/Networking

Readers are encouraged to double-check event details with the organizers, as dates and locations may change.

Wed, Jan 8 Tastes of China For adults. This workshop features three Chinese dishes from three regions with a focus on using a variety of ingredients, flavors and cooking styles. The dishes are clay pot braised chicken with Chinese mushrooms, Sichuan glass noodles and stir-fried celery with lily bulb. Registration required. RMB 280. 7-9pm. The Hutong (159 0104 6127, info@ the-hutong.com)

Thu, Jan 9 Cooking Classes: Imperial Chinese Dishes For adults. Make traditional imperial dishes: pine nut and beef stir-fry, fried shiitake and coriander stir-fry, and sweet and sour pork. Registration required. RMB 300. 10am-1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408, blacksesamekitchen@gmail.com)

Music Together Free Demo Class at Chaoyang Park Ages 0-6. Join Micho Education for a free music and movement trial class. Families learn 25 new songs and activities that can be replicated at home. Registration required. Free.

Micho Education (152 1005 8553, chloesfamilymusicfun@gmail.com)

Sat, Jan 11 Open Day at Luma Lu Studio Ages 13+. Learn about the studio’s photography, video editing and visual effects classes. Free. 10am-8pm. Luma Lu Studio (132 6451 3072)

Workshop: Write a Song with Sir Alice Ages 13+. In this two-day workshop, participants learn the rules of rhythm, phonetics, the shape of a song, and more with composer, artist, performer and researcher Sir Alice. Prices TBC. 10am-4pm. Atelier (atelier@ atelier.cn.com)

Pakistani Cooking For adults. Taught by Samia Asif, this class uses anecdotes, facts and tips to recreate a home-cooked Pakistani meal. Registration required. RMB 280.

2-4.30pm. The Hutong (159 0104 6127, info@the-hutong.com)

Music Together Free Demo Class at Chaoyang Park See Jan 9 listing.

All ages. BCIS hosts its sixth annual temple fair. Vendors sell a wide range of traditional arts, crafts and Chinese food. There are also live performances from BCIS students. Free. 11am-2pm.

Beijing City International School (8771 7171, admissions@bcis.cn)

Thu, Jan 16 Between Two Worlds: Debunking Myths in Bilingual Education For adults. Mary Jew, Head of Keystone Academy’s Primary School, and Dr. Ji-Mei Chang, a professor at San Jose State University, share their experiences with successful bilingual education. RSVP required. Free. 1011.30am. AmCham China Conference Center (5825 6008, event@ keystoneacademy.cn)

2014 January

Mon, Jan 20 Art Class for Homeschoolers Ages 6-12. Atelier’s new art class is divided into two age groups and is tailored to fit a homeschooler’s curriculum. Children use different media to explore shapes, colors, textures. Registration required. Prices TBC. 10-11am (4-7 years), 11am12.30pm (8-12 years). 10am-12.30pm.

Atelier (atelier@atelier.cn.com)

Tue, Jan 21 Reduce Stress and Stop Anxiety For adults. International SOS Mental Health Counselor, Marriage and Family Therapist Aram Sohigian talks about dealing with stress and anxiety. The seminar discusses resources available to those who become depressed.

Registration required. Free. 1011.30am. International SOS (seminar@ internationalsos.com)

Wed, Jan 22 New Year’s Performance and Fun Fair: Beautiful China All ages. This temple fair, which is open to the whole community, features traditional Chinese performances, including a dragon dance and acrobatics.

RSVP required. Free. 9am-3pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing (8583 3731, info@bj.ycef.com)

Winter Vacation Special: Spring Festival in the Art Museum Ages 3-12. Every morning from January 22-25, kids can make traditional Chinese crafts with contemporary art twists such as relief painting, printmaking, and 3D characters. Registration required.

RMB 900 (2013 UCCA and UCCA Kids Club members) or RMB 1, 100 (nonmember children). 10am-noon. Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (5780 0200, visitor@ucca.org.cn)

Atelier’s New Discover Visual Arts Class Ages 4-7. Children discover, experiment and play with new art media through

Photo: fotopedia

See Jan 11 listing.

beijingkids

2013 Temple Fair at BCIS

For adults. Dispel myths about Beijing’s air pollution with BJU Family Medicine Physician and beijingkids Columnist Dr. Richard Saint Cyr. RSVP required by January 7. Free. 5.30-6.30pm. British School of Beijing, Sanlitun (vanessa. marescialli@britishschool.org.cn)

For adults. Beijing Mandarin School celebrates Chinese New Year early with dumpling-making and writing Spring Festival scrolls. Registration required

by January 14. RMB 30. 6-8pm. Beijing Mandarin School (186 1052 0622, info@beijingmandarinschool.com)

Workshop: Write a Song with Sir Alice

Sat, Jan 18

How to Breathe in Beijing

Beijing Mandarin School Chinese New Year Party

Sun, Jan 12

14

Tue, Jan 14

topics close to their daily lives and works of art by famous artists.

Registration required. Prices TBC. 4.30-5.30pm. Atelier (atelier@atelier. cn.com)

Thu, Jan 23 A Midsummer Night´s Dream by Northern Ballet Theatre For teens and adults. The Northern Ballet Theatre stages a performance of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Set to music by Mendelssohn and Brahms. RMB 280-1,280. 7.309.30pm. National Centre for Performing Arts (400 610 3721, ponypiao@ damai.cn)

Winter Vacation Special: Spring Festival in the Art Museum See Jan 22 listing.

Sat, Jan 25 Cooking Classes: Home-Style Dumplings For adults. Learn to make meat and vegetarian dumplings from scratch as the Chinese New Year draws near.

Registration required. RMB 300. 10am1pm. Black Sesame Kitchen (136 9147 4408, blacksesamekitchen@gmail.com)

A Midsummer Night’s Dream by Northern Ballet Theatre See Jan 23 listing.

Wed, Jan 29 Chinese New Year Celebration Ages 3-18. Harrow International School Beijing holds a Chinese New Year celebration with house activities, performances and a temple fair.

The hour-long performances include singing, dragon dancing, Chinese drum performances, and more. Free.

8am-3pm. Harrow International School Beijing (6444 8900, enquiries@ harrowbeijing.cn)

Sat, Feb 1 Spring Festival Ski Trip Ages 3+. Escape to Wanlong Ski Resort for a Spring Festival getaway at the Tang Inn Hot Spring Holiday Hotel.

Prices include equipment rentals, ski admission, transport, accommodation, breakfast and ski insurance. Discounts available for children but subject to confirmation. RSVP required.

RMB 3,600. 8am-5pm. Ol’e Ski (18610453101, oleski@ole-sports.org)

Tue, Feb 2

Winter Vacation Special: Spring Festival in the Art Museum

Spring Festival Ski Trip

See Jan 22 listing.

See Feb 1 listing.

Mon, Feb 3 Screen Printing Workshop at Atelier Ages 13+. Practice various screenprinting methods on t-shirts, canvas posters and other surfaces from Feb 3 to 5. This workshop shows students the step-by-step process, from making the design to the final outcome.

Registration required. Prices TBC. 2-5pm. Atelier (atelier@atelier.cn.com)

Spring Festival Ski Trip See Feb 1 listing.

Tue, Feb 4 Screen Printing Workshop at Atelier See Feb 3 listing.

Wed, Feb 5 Screen Printing Workshop at Atelier See Feb 3 listing.

Ongoing beijingkids and JingKids 2014 Spring School Choice Fair All ages. This year’s edition of the School Choice Fair takes place on March 1-2 from 10am-4pm. Pre-

registration takes place from January 15 to February 28 via our website (www.beijingkids.com/scf). This year’s edition will be held at Hilton Beijing and feature lectures, a kids’ corner and food for purchase from the hotel. Free.

(5820 7700 ext 865, events@beijingkids.com)

CNY Workshops Ages 7-12. From January 13-24, TLC hosts Chinese New Year workshops for two weeks on topics like public speaking, research, analytical writing, and test preparation. The focus is on strengthening students’ critical thinking, ability to work with a team, and overall communication skills.

Registration required. 9am-4pm. RMB 4,500 (half day program) or RMB 8,100 (full day program). The Learning Center (8046 3886/7085, registration@ hyde-education.com)

Workshop: Introduction to Photography For teens and adults. The Beijing Academy of Creative Arts (BACA) runs a workshop on fine art photography for beginners and those who want to improve their technique. Participants learn how to use camera equipment (digital and film), process film, and develop black and white photography in the darkroom. The workshop has two modules to choose from: February 3-7 (intensive) and February 15 to March 15 (part-time, Saturdays only). Registration required. RMB 6, 500. 10am-4pm.

Beijing Academy of Creative Arts (8418 6627, arts003@163.com)

January 2014

beijingkids

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Essentials New Arrivals

o t o l l e H Say t s e l l a m S Beijing’s

Li Jiarong to Sun

20 Chinese. Born on Oct w Century Ne at ing ngx Qun and Li Do s Hospital.

Women’s and Children’

Grace Stella Rose Dearsley

New Zealander. Born on May 19 to Aleasha and Simon Dearsley at Beijing United Family Hospital.

Noa Trost

German-Croatian. Born on Oct 9 to Mirela and Tom Trost at OASIS International Hospital.

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beijingkids

2014 January

Anya Zhou S chwanbeck Chinese-Germ an. Born on Ap r 23 to Zhou Yuanjuan and Sebastian Schw anbeck at Beijing United Family Hospita l.

Want to share your new arrival with our readers?

Email a photo (at least 1MB in size) of your little one with his or her 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 July 1, 2013.

Tian Ci

Chinese. Born on Oct 25 to Liu Lin and Wang Huacheng at Ne w Century Women’s and Children’ s Hospital.

Qin Yuhanto Tian

23 Chinese. Born on Oct w Century Ne at n Qing and Qin Zhe Hospital. s en’ ildr Ch and Women’s

From the Blog Living

Exclusive Interview with Li Na: “Tennis Was Not My Choice, It Was for My Family”

Li Na (right) signs tennis balls at ISB

photo: oscar holland

C

hinese sporting royalty Li Na may now be reveling in her position as Asia’s most successful tennis player, but it took 15 years for her to begin enjoying the sport, she revealed on December 8, 2013.

Speaking exclusively to beijingkids on a visit to the International School of Beijing (ISB), Li admitted that tennis was “not my choice” and that her pursuit of sporting success was “for my family.”

The world’s third-ranked player went on to question the “tough” training methods used in the Chinese coaching system during her youth. While a strict sporting upbringing may be responsible for her unprecedented achievements, she advocated a softer approach to the youth game.

“When I was young the coach was tough. She was very nice, but the way she trained was tough,” she explained. “Right now [China] has many tennis academies that bring in a lot of Western culture [and] learn a lot from the West.

“Children have a good time when they’re starting their tennis because if you’re doing well, the coach gives you some positive [encouragement]. For us it was always negative, which made me a little bit sad when I was growing up.”

With the trajectory of her early career directed by the wishes of her late father, Li’s newly-translated autobiography My Life also details the unrelenting criticism of her coach Yu Liqiao, who instilled a seemingly pervasive sense of self-doubt. While she now believes tennis to be “an

amazing sport”, the star’s successes have not convinced her of the benefits of the “tiger” parent approach.

“Everyone’s different and if one day I’m a mom then for sure I’ll let my children choose [what] they prefer. When I grew up I hated that feeling so I don’t want to give that back to my children.

“The champion is not the winner,” she told us. “You need to be for yourself. It’s not like when I was young and [I had to] follow what my family said.”

Quietly fearsome on court, the soft-spoken and unassuming Grand Slam winner was also keen to underplay her importance to the game in China.

“People always say ‘oh Li Na, Li Na’ but you know in China there are 5 million Li Nas. So which one do you want to be?” she said.

After speaking with beijingkids and meeting with young players at ISB’s pollution-free tennis dome, Li addressed around 400 members of the school community in a Q&A with three aspiring young student journalists. She spoke about the support she offers to seven Shunyi orphans, and urged the school’s young tennis players to build a positive and communicative relationship with their coaches.

My Life was published on December 1 by Viking, a Penguin Group imprint. beijingkids was granted an exclusive interview with Li Na alongside sister publication theBeijinger.

This article was adapted from a post on www.beijing-kids.com by Oscar Holland.

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Living Noticeboard

What’s Happening in Beijing DCB Unveils New Ice Rink Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) has a brand-new ice rink with a variety of programs, including lessons for groups and individuals as well as ice hockey team practices. The winter programs are led by Camilla Ojansivu, a Swedish ice skating coach with many years of experience on the ice (to see her in action as beijingkids’ Mrs. Claus, turn to p82). For more info about DCB’s winter programs, contact camilla.ojansivu@ dulwich-beijing.cn.

Eliott’s Corner Welcomes New Physical Therapist April Gamble, a physical therapist from the US, recently joined Eliott’s Corner. She earned her doctorate of physical therapy at Grand Valley State University in Michigan in 2012. During her doctoral work, Gamble was a research collaborator on a project for people with Parkinson’s disease. She held the Lulenski-Smith Neurologic Residency at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital, in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 2013. She honed her clinical and research skills by working with a variety of neurological diagnoses among children and adults, Gamble has worked at a free Michigan clinic, a rehabilitation clinic in Guatemala, and a children’s home in Mexico. She speaks English and Spanish.

To make an appointment, contact Assistant General Manager Dingding Li at 6461 6283 or dil@ oliviasplace.org Monday to Friday from 9am-6pm.

For more info, visit www.oliviasplace.org.

Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) has appointed Ashley Zhang (pictured above) as its new kindergarten assistant principal. Zhang holds a WIDE certificate for multiple intelligences and completed a postgraduate Psychology program at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. She joined BIBA as the Chinese curriculum coordinator in April, bringing 20 years of pre-school and kindergarten experience with her.

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photos: dcb, eliott’s corner and biba

BIBA Announces New Kindergarten Assistant Principal

Noticeboard Living New GP at ParkwayHealth Chaoyang Vantone Medical Center

New Family Medicine Physician at BJU

General Practicioner Dr. Franck Morris-Davies joined ParkwayHealth. He has more than 20 years of experience working as a family physician in Europe, and has special interests in dermatology and pediatrics. Dr. Davies speaks fluent English and Italian, as well as conversational Mandarin. To make an appointment, call ParkwayHealth’s 24-hour service center (400 066 2882).

Dr. Christian Lemm, a family medicine physician from Germany, recently joined Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU). With over 20 years of experience, he worked at St. Mary’s Hospital in the UK and owned a private practice in Berlin. Sports medicine is one of his primary interests. Dr. Lemm works full-time at the United Family Shunyi Clinic. To make an appointment, contact the clinic at 400 891 9191.

Art Bug Opens New Branch in Lido

photos: courtesy of bju, art bug and parkwayhealth

Art Bug now has a second location in Lido, which offers most of the same classes as Art Bug Chaowai SOHO, with the addition of teens’ portfolio and photography. Rm 102, Unit 4, Bldg 3, Upper East Side, Chaoyang District (5947 2275) 朝阳区阳光上东3号楼4单位102

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Living Indulge

Party People Tara Talabi breaks out the little black dress photos by Littleones Kids & Family Portrait Studio

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Indulge Living

Get the Look:

1

Sandra started off by filling in Tara’s roots, then applied an all-over blonde color with slices of platinum and pastel.

She also added some “hidden color” – a playful blue-green streak that Tara was free to hide or reveal as she liked.

Tara, before

“I

2

like my wine,” laughs Tara Talabi. When this exuberant Brit is not chasing after 4-year-old Anu and 2-year-old Toby, she works as the Head of Marketing and Communications at House of Knowledge International Kindergarten (HoK). Tara is also part of the UK’s broadcast relations team for the Olympics and will soon travel to Sochi, Russia. After joining HoK, moving house, and getting a new pug all within a month, she was badly in need of some pampering. Her roots were showing after not having colored her hair since July, and her eyes were red and dry from an allergic reaction to the dog. Over a marathon eight-hour session at the new Salon DePark in the Kerry Center, Tara was primped and preened by International Creative Director Scarlet Salmons, Senior Technical Director Sandra Zhang, and Makeup Director Mijung (also known as MJ). The final look was fun and festive, without any of the fuss. Sijia Chen

Salon DePark 丁和李朴发型设计 Shop B09, B1/F, Kerry Center, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (8529 6328/9) 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心商场地下1层B09

Makeup List • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Avène Light Hydrating Cream and Soothing Serum MAC Studio Sculpt SPF 15 Foundation in NW30 Testimo Brown Cream Shadow Combo 04 Burberry Complete Eye Palette Pink Taupe No. 7 Bobbi Brown Nude on Nude Eye Palette MAC Eye Kohl in Blooz Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper MAC Eye Brows in Lingering Max Factor Fake Lash Effect Mascara Sephora Sun Disk Bronzing Powder in Medium 02 Laura Geller Blush N Brighten in Roseberry MAC Sheertone Shimmer Blush in Other Worldly and Afterdusk MAC Lipstick in 18 Clarins Color Quench in 07

Scarlet added square layers to Tara’s hair bring out her natural wave and shape around the face for easy maintenance. To create large loose curls, Scarlet then twisted four sections of Tara’s hair into mini-buns and secured them with big bobby pins. Later she released them and scrunched up the hair with her hands for big volume.

3

For the makeup stage, MJ created a blank canvas with moisturizer and appeasing cream. She evened out Tara’s skin tone with foundation and powder, then created a smoky eye with black eyeliner and a blend of eyeshadows.

MJ continued by filling in her eyebrows with a pencil and applying fake lashes. With a big brush, she dusted a rose-colored blush over Tara’s cheekbones. She put powder concealer under her eyes, and over her nose and chin for a perfect finish. The final touch was dusky pink lip color and gloss for shine.

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Living Talking Shop

The World in their Hands Feed your bookworm at Star Kids Children’s Bookstore

by Dana Cosio-Mercado “So please, oh please, we beg, we pray, Go throw your TV set away, And in its place you can install, A lovely bookshelf on the wall.”

- Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

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Star Kids Children’s Bookstore Daily 10am-9pm. Unit L319, Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District (6458 1292 , alex@starkidschina.com) 顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场5层 L319单元

photos: dana cosio-mercaod

Roald Dahl’s admonition might not be one that many parents will follow through with, but it does emphasize the importance of reading – and that is something any mom or dad can get behind. Luckily for Shunyi residents, there is a place to pick up that perfect book for your child.

Star Kids Children’s Bookstore has something for every age, reading level, and interest.

Most of the titles are in English, with a small selection of bilingual Chinese-English books for the preschool set. A charming bilingual book about Mika, Picky Eater (RMB 50) can be paired with a cookbook, also bilingual, that introduces kids to popular Chinese dishes (RMB 150). The store carries books for adults too, mostly English non-fiction, a few parenting books, and China travel guides in French, Spanish, German, and Italian.

Opened in 2009, Star Kids’ real attraction is the eye-popping variety of children’s books.

Avid readers will find Spot, Arthur, Wally, Pippi Longstocking, Willy Wonka, and more. A large comfy couch with stuffed toys makes a comfortable reading nook. The staff is friendly, helpful, and encourages customers to linger.

Buying for babies? No problem. It’s never too early to start kids on books. There is a wide selection of tear- and chew-resistant cloth books. Ladybird board books (RMB 5570) are great for little baby fingers to handle.

Toddlers and preschoolers will have a field day flipping through picture books with sturdy pages. Some illustrations are so attractive you may want to keep the book even if your kids are well past this stage.

Beginner and emergent readers can choose from fiction or non-fiction. For Levels 1-3, there are Puffin Books’ Young Readers series and National Geographic Kids (RMB 30). The Storylands Circus Bizurkus box set with 42 books (RMB 1,780) takes a child all the way from Level 1 (emergent reader) to Level 20 (early fluent). This is a gift that would last several years and can be shared among siblings or handed down.

Reluctant older readers (ages 9-12) may enjoy the Science Museum series, Why Is Snot Green? (RMB 70). The Be the Boss of Your Stress box set (RMB 220) makes a great gift for a tween or younger teen who needs some affirmation. The set includes a book, stickers, a star-shaped stress ball, an acupressure tool, a pinwheel for breathing exercises, and a biofeedback card.

Older readers will have lots to choose from, including the Harry Potter and Twilight series.

Alex Scarrow, author of the Time Riders series, was recently at Star Kids for a book signing.

The store is in talks with several publishers to bring more authors to Beijing in 2014.

For help with schoolwork, Evan Moor and the Letterland Activity books (RMB 45) provide great supplementary writing and phonics activities to do at home. School-age kids can find study books for different grades. Teenagers can also find review books and workbooks for IGCSEs, IB, or SATs.

Birthday Bash Living

In the Zone Adrenaline runs high at Kerry Hotel Beijing’s new Adventure Zone

by Dana Cosio-Mercado

photos: courtesy of kerry hotel, beijing

T

here is a new play center in town, and it is just as fun for adults as it is for kids. Located within the Kerry Center, Adventure Zone is Kerry Hotel Beijing’s newest service. Spanning three flours, the play area is designed for ages 4-12 and put together by a British company. Birthday revelers can take on a multi-level play structure with net towers, bridges, ball pits, ramps and rollers.

The star of the show is the Demon Drop slide, which features a 90° angle, 7.3m vertical drop. It is best suited for thrillseekers, teens, and adults; younger kids tend to linger on the edge, petrified.

They can choose from two smaller slides: a 6.1m-high slide ideal for ages 7-12 or 5.5m-high slide best-suited to younger kids. If the main structure is too overwhelming, children under age 4 can try out different occupations at the Role Play Village and safely play on padded slides and climbing frames.

Though the Adventure Zone cannot be exclusively booked for an event, the center does offer private rooms for complete birthday packages (see boxes for prices). There are three rooms that can be used for up to

two hours. Two of the rooms can fit 26 people while the Wizard Room can take 31. Free Wi-Fi connection is available throughout the venue and the Adventure Zone Café provides a variety of drinks, snacks, and light snacks.

Adventure Zone 探险乐园 Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm. 3/F (inside Kerry Sports Center), Kerry Hotel Beijing, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (6561 3388, adventurezonebeijing@thekerryhotels.com) www.kerrysportsbeijing.com/facilities/ adventure-zone.html 朝阳区朝阳区光 华路1号北京嘉里中心饭店3层

Panda Package Mon-Thu RMB 400/child; Fri-Sun and public holidays RMB 480/child. Includes all of the above except with a deluxe cake and upgraded goodie bags (same cost for extra time).

Standard Birthday Package Mon-Thu RMB 300/child; Fri-Sun and public holidays RMB 380/child.

Includes food (three mains, one side dish) and one non-alcoholic beverage, a cake (1lb for six people), decor, goodie bags, party stickers and customized invitations, two hours at the Adventure Zone, and a party room with a host. Extra time costs RMB 1,000 for 60 minutes.

Take Note: • Socks must be worn at all times within the Adventure Zone.

• Long-sleeve shirts and trousers must be worn on the drop slides.

• No wet clothes or swimsuits in the play area.

• You need a membership to use the facilities if you are not booking for a birthday party. Memberships cost RMB 7,500 per year or RMB 5,000 for six months.

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Health

Lucas (age 6, pictured with his mom Helen Aris) was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in 2012

Silent Epidemic China’s diabetes explosion is affecting people of ages in the capital

by Oscar Holland

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2014 January

Dr. Yue has also seen changes in how patients become aware of their diabetes. “People used to come in complaining of the symptoms of diabetes,” she explains. “But now more come [earlier] because we can see their blood sugar levels in the results of a health check.”

Although early detection can help manage the condition, diabetes is incurable and, once developed, can lead to a number of serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage, forced amputations, and more. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to convert glucose into energy (or the insulin it produces is ineffective), and there are strong causal links between diabetes and the unholy trinity of poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise.

It is not only adults with a lifetime of bad choices behind them who are at risk. Dr. Yue has seen obese children as young as 12 with the early signs of type 2 diabetes.

photo: sui

hina is on the verge of an epidemic. Bird and swine flu may make the headlines, but the long-term health threat spreading through the country’s population is a silent killer: diabetes.

A study in Journal of the American Medical Association in 2013 suggests that there are 114 million adults in China living with the condition, representing 12 percent of the population. This rate is higher than in America, the nation most often associated with the high-fat diet and sedentary lifestyles linked to diabetes.

Changes in China’s demographics may be exacerbating the problem, but there is also a clear role for poor lifestyle choices, according to internal medicine specialist at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU), Dr. Xin Yue. “People are living longer so there are more old people, and then there is also lifestyle,” she says. “More people, especially those living in cities, spend a lot of time at their desks.”

Health

There are strong causal links between diabetes and the unholy trinity of poor diet, smoking, and lack of exercise

Most common among children however, is type 1, where the body is unable to produce insulin at all. Believed to be more closely linked to genetic factors, the symptoms are often acute and can be terrifying for parents, as Ukrainian mom Helen Aris found out at the beginning of February 2012. She became concerned when her usually active son Lucas, now 6 years old, started becoming weak and sleepy.

“He started to drink water all the time and slept a lot during the daytime,” she recalls. “He just came back from his kindergarten and went [straight] to bed. Because he was drinking so much water he [also] went to the bathroom a lot, several times per night. Then he started coughing and complaining that his chest hurt.”

After taking Lucas to hospital, doctors initially told Aris that he had pneumonia. He was given medication and sent home. But after falling into a deep sleep and waking up “panting and mumbling,” she rushed him back, though he fell unconscious in the car.

“They told me later that he had type 1 diabetes. The doctor injected him with a huge amount of glucose and he went into coma. We didn’t [think it could have been] diabetes as no one in my or my husband’s family has it and we even didn’t know its symptoms. [Lucas] was in a pediatric ward for three days and then they transferred us to the diabetes department. His sugars were above 40; normally an adult’s sugars are four or five. He was in coma for three days and these were the scariest days of my life.”

Managing Diabetes in Beijing Because the family was uninsured, Aris now spends around RMB 1,000 a month on lancets, needles, and test strips. This figure does not include the cost of visits to the doctor and insulin, which in Beijing can only be acquired every two months through a hospital appointment.

Given the extent of the disease in China, patients should face little difficulty getting access to the medicine and equipment they need.

If you have insurance or the money to pay, then the quality of care and symptom management should be largely the same as in Western countries, where diabetes has been traditionally more prevalent.

There are specific challenges that face diabetics living in Beijing, however. Healthy and low-sugar meals can be found in the capital’s restaurants but lack of information about the food being served can make it difficult to manage blood sugar levels. BJU’s Dr. Yue always recommends that patients cook at home rather than eat out regularly.

For children, another major problem is that schools are often unprepared for the demands of the disease’s day-to-day management.

Insulin-dependent diabetics need a shot before every meal, which can pose difficulties at lunchtime if the school is unfamiliar with the condition. Some nurses, even in international departments, are reportedly unwilling to administer the shots themselves.

This has been one of the ongoing challenges for Aris, who still worries about Lucas’ future.

“I just [have to hope for the] best and do everything to make my son healthy and happy,” she says. “Believing is the only thing I have left.”

Her faith may not be misplaced. Promising medical advances may

provide new hope to a generation of young diabetes patients. Stem cell treatments that re-grow the beta cells that create insulin in our bodies are already available in Beijing.

These developments may even help scientists move beyond disease management and towards a cure, according to Dr. Li Chi of Puhua International Hospital, one of the few facilities in Beijing offering the stem cell therapies.

“While our current level of technology allows us to alleviate many of the symptoms and delay the negative impact of this disease, the potential of this area of medicine gives us hope that in the future diabetes could become a curable disease,” she says.

Puhua claims that 70 percent of patients who underwent the stem cell therapies have achieved more stable blood glucose levels, a reduced need for medication, or alleviation of secondary symptoms.

Although the application of stem cell treatments in diabetes, as in other areas of medicine, remains in its earliest stages, there may be a more hopeful future for youngsters like Lucas.

Resources Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) 北京和睦家医院 Dr. Yue Xin is a diabetes specialist and published researcher who consults in Chinese and English at BJU. She operates from the hospital’s Diabetes Center which offers services ranging from routine examinations to the management of chronic diabetic complications. The center’s team of physicians is supported by a team of nurses, dietitians, and other diabetes specialists.

Tue-Wed 9am-4pm (endocrinology clinic). Bldg 2, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (5927 7059 or 400 8919 191) www.beijing. ufh.com.cn 朝阳区将台路2号2号楼 Puhua International Hospital, Shuangjing 普华国际门诊 Dr. Li Chi has been working to apply stem cell technology in the treatment of diabetes for nearly a decade. She works at Puhua’s Diabetes Center, one of the few places in Beijing offering the treatments.

Daily 9am-6pm. 54 Wusheng Beilu, Dongsanhuan, Chaoyang District (5363 1264 for diabetes care; 8773 5522 for general inquiries) www.puhuaclinic.com 朝阳区东三环武圣北路54号 Diabetes Changing the World (www.diabetesnchina.mixxt.org) An online support group for people with diabetes. Beijing meetups are arranged at BJU. To find out about upcoming events or to get in touch with other diabetics in Beijing, visit the website or contact Dr. Gerald Anthony by email at anyuan2002mmp@ gmail.com.

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Health The Natural Path

Variety Is the Spice of Life

P

icky eaters can seem like the norm these days, but there’s no reason your child has to be one. This month, I offer suggestions to help broaden your family’s culinary horizons. But first, let’s talk about where it all begins: in the high chair, when baby is first exposed to solids. Introducing solids strategically can help your child appreciate a wider variety of foods.

Up until 6 months of age, babies should be exclusively breastfed. If breastfeeding is not an option, then formula is all they need.

Other foods can be introduced after 6 months. In general, I suggest giving veggies before fruit. When a child is hungry, they will eat what is presented to them first. The idea is to help them develop a taste for greens; they will come to associate vegetables with the feeling of being full. Pureed veggies like broccoli, green beans, and peas are a good starting point.

As kids get older (approximately ages 2-6), continue presenting vegetables first. For instance, you can serve the salad or a plate of veggies before the main course.

When a child is hungry, they will eat what is presented to them first It’s also important to delay the introduction of sweets to prevent kids from developing a sweet tooth. For as long as possible, don’t give your child cookies, ice cream, cake, or soda. They won’t know what they’re missing and, believe me, they will be getting their fill of sweets before long. Once a child has tasted chocolate cake, there’s simply no going back; the humble broccoli doesn’t stand a chance.

If your kids are older and have already rejected vegetables, you may have to “hide” veggies in other foods. Pureed soups, pasta sauces, and muffins make great hidden sources of nutrients for unsuspecting kids.

Even if your child is picky, keep presenting them with foods that you “know” they don’t like. Kids’ tastes change and they often need multiple tries before they start to enjoy the flavor. Find different methods of preparing the food in question. Tell your child that they haven’t tried it this way before and that they might like it. Don’t force them to eat something they don’t like, but keep encouraging them to have a taste.

Another way to persuade kids to become more adventurous with food is to involve them in the kitchen. A child is much more likely to try – and enjoy – a dish if they helped prepare it.

Finally, think of Beijing as a smorgasbord of culinary options.

Consider making a family tradition of trying a new restaurant every week. There can be a theme to keep things interesting, a new international cuisine every week, or a different Chinese regional cuisine (for ideas, turn to Features on p46). Bon appétit!

Got a question?

Melissa Rodriguez is a mom of two and a wellness consultant. She also works as a naturopath at International Medical Center. Check out her website at www.drmelissarodriguez.com.

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Health The Doc Is In

Make No Bones about It: Teens Don’t Get Enough Calcium

D

id you know that only 10 percent of teenage girls in the US get enough calcium? In China, the average calcium intake is less than half the recommended amount. Most infants have no calcium deficiency thanks to breast milk and formula; however, calcium intake drops dramatically after the toddler years.

Girls – especially teens – consume much less dairy than boys, putting them at enormous long-term risk for osteoporosis and other diseases related to low calcium intake.

First, how much calcium is required to stay healthy? According to the US National Institute of Health, children aged 1-3 need 700mg of calcium per day and ages 4-8 need 1,000 mg per day. Most adults (ages 19-50) need 1,000 mg per day, while ages 9-18 years need the most to support rapidly-growing bones – 1,300mg per day.

Girls – especially teens – consume much less dairy than boys, putting them at enormous long-term risk for osteoporosis All parents should do a bit of math to see how their kids are faring with calcium, especially families with girls. If you’re not sure how much calcium is contained in food, consult the USDA’s wonderful Nutrient Data Laboratory database (tinyurl.com/c62do55).

The best source of calcium remains dairy products. One cup of whole milk contains 246mg, while low-fat milk contains 264mg. Yogurt has a similar amount and cheese is another excellent choice; one slice (30g) can contain as much as 200mg. If your child dislikes cow’s milk or is lactose-intolerant, encourage them to try yogurt or cheese. You can also try low-fat or skim chocolate milk, which is better than no milk at all. A balanced breakfast could include yogurt with fresh fruit or berries, plus a slice of cheese on toast.

While dairy is the most common source of calcium, other kid-friendly choices include calcium-fortified soy milk, orange juice, cereals and granola bars. One 8oz (227ml) cup of fortified orange juice can contain 300mg of calcium. Other sources include fortified rice milk, leafy green vegetables (except spinach), and fish such as salmon or sardines. A daily multivitamin can be considered as a last resort.

Another measure you can take is to eliminate all sodas. Some data suggests that soda drinkers also have lower bone density, but there’s debate surrounding the precise reasons. But one thing is clear: soda increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. You may not have control over your kids at the mall or at a friend’s house, but you can certainly be a role model at home and never buy sodas. Ever. They’re an extremely unhealthy choice at all ages.

Need more info?

Dr. Richard Saint Cyr is a family doctor at Beijing United Family Hospital, and the director of clinical marketing and communications. He runs the blog www.myhealthbeijing.com.

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Playing What's Fun In

My Fair City text by Clemence Jiang and Morgan Shang

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Bright red beijingkids lanterns adorn Ditan ParkJanuary 2014

photo: lmoon.tong (flickr)

A guide to Beijing’s traditional temple fairs

What's Fun In Playing

F

or Beijingers, visiting a temple fair for Spring Festival is as traditional as making dumplings. Originally the site of sacrifices to village gods, the city’s temple fairs date from the Tang Dynasty (618907 AD). During the Liao Dynasty (916-1125 AD), the events also came to symbolize the arrival of spring. Over time, merchants and peddlers started selling their wares to the devotees who burned incense and paid tribute to the gods.

There are annual temple fairs both large and small in Beijing. During Spring Festival, revelers can expect cultural performances, vendors, scrumptious snacks, and traditional handicrafts. Folk performances include lion dances, cross talk (a form of Chinese comedy), kung fu demonstrations, puppet shows, and yangge (a type of harvest dance). You can also find clay figurines and paper cuts to decorate your home with.

This year, Spring Festival begins on January 31 and marks the Year of the Horse. There will be temple fairs scattered all over the city. To help you narrow down your options, we profile some of the more prominent ones.

photo: storyvillegirl (flickr)

The Busiest: Ditan Park Temple Fair 地坛庙会 The site of the oldest and most bustling temple fair in the capital, Ditan Park is a must-see for first-time attendees. Located by North Second Ring Road, this is where the imperial families of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties offered sacrifices to the god of the earth. A re-enactment of this ceremonial ritual is widely considered to be the highlight of the fair.

Walking through a sea of people and red lanterns in the park, you will come across folk performances, ancient costume displays, art exhibitions, snow sculptures, and venders selling traditional handicrafts. There are also snack stalls featuring specialties from Beijing, Sichuan, Tianjin, and Xinjiang, with vendors yelling in different dialects. However, note that this is not the best food you will ever have and prices are relatively high. Last year, a lamb kebab from the Xinjiang stall cost RMB 20. That being said, the temple fair’s lively ambiance is hard to beat.

RMB 2. Jan 30 to Feb 6 8am-5pm.

Ditan Park, A2, Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District (6421 4657) 东城 区安定门外大街2号地坛公园

A lion dance at Ditan Park

The Most Regal: Yuanmingyuan Royal Temple Fair 圆明园皇家庙会 Once known as “the Versailles of the East,” Yuanmingyuan (the Old Summer Palace) was a bustling Spring Festival venue for the royal family during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Despite the site’s checkered past (it was pillaged and burned down by French and British forces during the Second Opium War), the administration office of Yuanmingyuan decided in 2010 to establish a temple fair.

Although there has been debate on whether such a site should remain quiet as a reminder of its ill-fated history, the annual event remains popular among locals.

The fair has activities like ice skating performances, a palace-themed culture exhibition, and a royal market, which offers imperial-style snacks, calligraphy, paintings, crafts, and more. Attendees can learn about the cuisine and costumes of the Qing Dynasty.

Locals can also be spotted attempting to solve lantern riddles and practicing calligraphy.

RMB 10. Jan 31-Feb 6 7am-7:30pm.

Yuanmingyuan, 28 Qinghua Xilu, Haidian District (6261 7801) 海淀区清华西路 28号圆明园

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1. DITAN park 2. YUANMINGYUAN 4. DAGUANYUAN temple 5-6. DONGYUE temple

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To view the approximate location2014 of these temple fairs, see map on opposite page beijingkids January

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photos: wikimedia commons and flickr users storyvillegirl, kaypat photos, satanyork, watchsmart and enricx

3. SHIJINGSHAN park

What's Fun In Playing The Most Eclectic: Shijingshan Temple Fair 石景山庙会 Located at the crossroads of Xi Chang’an Jie and West Fifth Ring Road, the European-style Shijingshan Amusement park promotes itself as “the Disneyland of Beijing.” During the winter the park stays relatively quiet until Spring Festival, when it puts on a temple fair that seems more like a carnival parade than a traditional cultural event at times.

Besides traditional performances like lion dances and stilt-walking, the temple fair is known for its various exotic performances, ranging from Japanese fan dances to a Korean drum dances, Latin dancing, and Russian dances. This year, organizers are planning to have 41 Chinese food stalls, ten Western food stalls, and up to 20 stalls selling folk art, music, and snacks. The amusement park will continue to operate rides during the temple fair.

The Most Literary: Daguanyuan Temple Fair 大观园庙会 Daguanyuan is based on an aristocratic garden described in the masterpiece A Dream of Red Mansions by Qing Dynasty author Cao Xueqin (1715-1763). The garden was built in 1983 to serve as a backdrop for the CCTV television series of the same name; it was opened to the public in 1989.

At Daguanyuan’s temple fair, visitors can get a sense of the grandness of the Red Mansions and the luxurious lifestyle of an upperclass Chinese family. Refined dishes from the novel will be available to try and actors will re-enact some of the novel’s classic passages.

However, you do not have to be a Chinese literature buff to enjoy the event. Kids will find yummy snacks, jigsaw puzzles, magician sets, and toys for sale.

The Most Authentic: Dongyue Temple Fair 东岳庙庙会 Despite the name “temple fairs,” this is one of the only annual celebrations located in an actual temple. Founded during the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), Dongyue is a small Taoist temple was dedicated to the god of Mount Tai, one of China’s five Taoist sacred mountains. Despite its small size, Dongyue’s temple fair is considered the most traditional and is a favorite among locals. Many visitors attend especially to pray and burn incense.

Entertainment usually includes kung fu shows, shadow puppetry, and Taoist music performances and exhibitions. Local calligraphers will be on hand to demonstrate the art of duilian, a couplet written on vertical strips of red paper especially for Spring Festival and given to visitors for free.

RMB 10. Jan 31-Feb 6, 9am-5pm. Shijingshan Amusement Park, 25 Shijingshan lu, Shijingshan District(6887 4060) 石景 山区石景山路25号石景山游乐园

RMB 40. Jan 31-Feb 4, 9am-5pm.

Daguanyuan Temple, 12 Nancaiyuan Xijie, Xicheng District (6354 4993) 西 城区南菜园西街12号大观园

RMB 10. Jan 31-Feb 6, 8am-4.30pm.

Dongyue Temple, 141 Chaoyangmen Waidajie, Chaoyang District (6551 0151) 朝阳区朝阳门外大街141号东岳庙

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Playing Inside

From left: Dad Lei Zhen, Granny Li, Lei Yunkai (age 3), Grandpa Li, and mom Li Fang

Year of the Family How locals celebrate the country’s most important holiday

by Clemence Jiang

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The Lei-Li Family Originally from Xi’an in Shaanxi Province, Li Fang has been living in Beijing since 2004 after studying in Germany for four years. After she and her husband Lei Zhen got married, they spent almost every Spring Festival with Lei’s family (also from Xi’an). Their 3-year-old son, Lei Yunkai, was born in Beijing during the Year of the Tiger (2010) so the family nicknamed him “tiger baby” (hubao, 虎宝). Li works for the Daimler Group in Beijing and her husband currently works in Burma for the Chinese government.

Where does your family usually celebrate Spring Festival?

Following Chinese tradition, we usually return to my husband’s home in Xi’an to spend the eve of Spring Festival with his parents, though we also make sure to spend time with my parents.

photos: courtesy of li fang

hristmas and Spring Festival (also known as Chinese New Year) have a lot in common. They are both about family reunions, and are the most important holidays in their respective calendars. You might have celebrated Christmas last month; now, it is time to get into the holiday spirit for Spring Festival.

Spring Festival (known in Chinese as chunjie or 春节) falls on the first day of the first lunar month and ends with the Lantern Festival on the 15th day of the month. This year’s Spring Festival kicks off the Year of the Horse on January 31, with the last day of the celebrations falling on February 14.

A few weeks from now, airports, train stations, and long-distance bus stations will be flooded with people returning home for Spring Festival. The most important days are the eve of Chinese New Year and the subsequent three days. Most Chinese will do anything to make sure they do not miss this crucial time with their families.

Understanding – and embracing the traditions – of Spring Festival will go a long way towards engaging with Chinese culture and friends.

We spoke to a modern yet traditional Chinese family to find out how they celebrate the country’s most important holiday.

Inside Playing How important is Spring Festival to your family?

It is the most important holiday for all Chinese and, of course, for my family. It is a good chance for us to catch up with family and friends, and relax after a year’s hard work. When I was studying abroad, I would make dumplings, talk to my parents on the phone, and watch chunwan (CCTV’s annual Spring Festival Gala) on the computer to celebrate.

What are some of your family’s traditions?

We make dumplings, play mahjong, decorate the door with chunlian [red poetry couplets placed around the door for good luck], sing karaoke, and watch chunwan with the whole family.

Are there any special traditions from your hometown that other Chinese people may not be familiar with?

My father is from Tianjin and my mother is from Shandong, so we are not a typical Shaanxi family. When I visited my husband’s family for Spring Festival, I noticed that they still make mo [a type of local unleavened bread], which people appreciated a lot when food was scarce. It was given as a gift when visiting relatives. They also like the number four when giving out gifts, believing that all good things came in pairs.

several days in advance by preserving and frying the foods so they would keep longer. We also used to visit as many families and friends as possible when I was young, but now most of those visits are replaced by text messages.

Does your family celebrate Christmas or other Western holidays?

We do not celebrate [the religious aspect of Christmas], but we love the holiday and my son loves to help me decorate the tree. Last month, I bought him an Advent calendar with chocolate and gifts. Suddenly, he was more willing to get up in the morning!

How will your family celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival?

We will not be able to go to Xi’an this year because my husband is working in Burma. We are planning to spend Spring Festival there instead. However, we will definitely talk to our parents on the phone, make dumplings, and watch chunwan on the computer.

How does your family decorate the house for Spring Festival?

With the children, we put chunlian around the door and paper cuts in the windows. Decorations are usually red and gold because they are considered auspicious colors in Chinese culture. After I had my son, I enjoyed the process of decorating more because he had so many questions like “Why are we doing this?” I used the opportunity to help him better understand our traditions.

What does your family usually eat for Spring Festival?

Fish, chicken, duck, pork, and ribs are a must. My parents make dumplings before the eve of Spring Festival and eat them after dinner as late-night snack. By contrast, most Shaanxi families – including my husband’s – have dumplings as the first meal on the first day of Spring Festival.

What does your family drink for Spring Festival?

My side of the family has both red wine and Chinese baijiu, but when men get together they only drink baijiu.

The Lei-Li family with Lei’s relatives in 2013

Who cooks the most important dinner on Spring Festival Eve? My mother-in-law does all the hard work: preparing, cooking and cleaning (although I help out too). According to Shaanxi tradition, a man seldom cooks unless he is a chef and they hardly ever do the dishes.

What does your son love the most about Spring Festival?

Lighting fireworks, having lots of candy and snacks, and – most importantly – receiving red envelopes (or hongbao) filled with money.

Last year almost everyone gave him a hongbao, though he also received clothes and books.

Do you tell your son stories about Spring Festival?

He is a bit too young right now, but I look forward to telling him more.

For instance, some people believed that lighting fireworks could scare away demons. I can also tell him family stories to help him know his relatives better.

What was Spring Festival like when you were a child? How have things changed?

When I was young, spring festival meant new clothes, which many children would look forward to for months. Because we did not have refrigerator at the time, many families would start preparing food

Yunkai and his dad prepare to board the high-speed train to Xi’an last Spring Festival

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Playing Family Travels

The kids enjoy an ice cream break

College Reunion Old university friends meet up for an island holiday in Mallorca

by Martin Buchmueller

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The country house rented by the old university friends

The old town tram in Soller

photos: courtesy of martin buchmueller

Travelers: Martin (Germany) and Lisa Buchmueller (US), along with their son Max (age 4), who attends Eduwings kindergarten in Shunyi. They joined eight other couples/families from all across Europe, made up of Martin’s group of friends from an Erasmus year at the University of Birmingham in the UK in the 1990s.

Destinations: Solingen, Germany; Palma de Mallorca, Spain Dates: June 19-28, 2013 Travel plans: The family flew from Beijing to Dusseldorf in Germany to drop in on Max’s grandparents in nearby Solingen.

They then flew Air Berlin to Mallorca where they rented a tenbedroom house in Alcudia in the northeast of the island.

Cost: Flights were approximately RMB 21,000. Car rental for three days in Germany cost RMB 2,500 and seven days in Mallorca cost around RMB 2,000 (both Opel Corsa, both excluding gas). Accommodation at the Finca Casa Siona in Mallorca worked out to about EUR 50 (RMB 418) per person, per night, with an additional nightly fee for the group’s private chef of EUR 30 (RMB 251) per adult.

Family Travels Playing

Max (age 4, center) and friends at the beach

I

spent an Erasmus year in the UK at the University of Birmingham in 1996-1997 and a group of friends from the time continue to meet one or two times a year in different cities. We come from all over Europe and we have met in over 20 places where one or more of us live. As we grow older and many of us have kids, we typically meet at weddings or summer holidays, like the trip to Mallorca we made in the June 2013.

Before joining up with our friends and their families, we spent two days in my home town of Solingen in Germany visiting Max’s grandparents. He loves animals, so we took a trip the zoo in nearby Wuppertal. A sunny morning in the zoo turned into a thunderstorm, and our holiday (and perhaps our lives) were almost cut short when a big oak branch, almost the size of school bus, broke off and landed just one meter behind us. It was a very lucky day!

We flew onto Mallorca, where we had rented a large finca (Spanish country house) with ten bedrooms, terrace, garden, and swimming pool just 5km outside the city of Alcudia in the north-east of the island. We had a private chef who cooked for us every evening but we made our own breakfasts, which beamed us back to the chaos of our student days 17 years ago!

The house was perfect for such a large group and was only a 15minute drive away from some beaches that were great for small kids, with soft white sand and shallow water for them to play in. Mallorca also offers busy towns, quiet alleys, and picturesque bays.

As well as spending time with friends and families by the pool at the finca, we also visited the cathedral in Palma and took the old tram up to the picturesque mountain town of Soller. It was great to spend so much time with our friends and to combine it with visits to some “hidden gems” and trips to the beach with all of our kids.

Travel Tips • The northeastern part of the island, where we stayed, is not overrun by package holidaymakers; the beaches were very child- friendly and safe. Stay away from the main tourist areas near Palma.

• Be warned – there are not many very large fincas in Mallorca and they tend to book out three or four years in advance.

• Air Berlin overbooked our flight and caused a long delay. Budget airlines can cause all kinds of hassle so spending a bit more can sometimes pay off.

• Organizing our rental car upon arriving in Germany was expensive and tiring after a long flight.

• Wi-Fi access in Spain is not as widely available as in Asia, which can be a real problem for people who need to stay connected with work.

• A lot of ATMs on the island charge for withdrawals so you should think about getting adequate currency beforehand.

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“I want to get better at interacting with people in 2014”

Daystar students reveal their goals for 2014

by Aisling O’Brien photoS: KEN

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Schooled Learning “My biggest goal in 2014 is to be happy.”

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ew Year’s is traditionally a time for reviewing the successes and lessons of the year gone by, as well as setting goals and hopes for the next 12 months. We asked students from Daystar to reflect on 2013 and share their resolutions with us. Recent research from the University of Scranton shows that while 45 percent of us make resolutions every year, only 8 percent actually achieve them. With that in mind, we also include some tips for making and keeping effective resolutions. Whatever you dream of achieving, we wish you and yours the very best in 2014.

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Learning Schooled

Junzhi Lin, 13, China

Ethan Wen, 11, US/China

Tenzin Low, 11, Canada

Geoffrey Duan, 10, US/China

What I loved most about 2013 were the fireworks at Sky Tower on New Year’s Day. I want to learn friendliness in 2014.

I was most proud of being one of the best basketball players in Daystar last year.

My goal for the future is to enter the National Basketball Association.

In 2013 I learned that doing nothing can be the solution to lots of problems.

I want to get better at interacting with people in 2014.

My favorite memory last year was getting a turtle.

In 2014 I want to learn more about animals.

Bonny Quan, 11, China

Sheldon Liang, 11, US/China

Sam Simoni, 11, China/Italy

My greatest challenge last year was moving to China.

In 2014 I want to learn to speak Chinese and learn piano.

I was most proud of my horse riding in 2013.

My biggest personal goal for 2014 is to win a prize for horseback riding.

I loved that in 2013 everybody found out that the 2012 apocalypse was false.

In 2014 I want to learn quadratic and cubic algebra and trigonometry.

My favorite memory of 2013 was learning chemistry.

In 2014 I want to learn science.

Maya Mischke, 11, US

Alvin Zou, 11, US

Bryan Tan, 11, China/Australia

Merritt Zhang, 11, US/China

I loved having fun with my friends and making more of them in 2013.

In 2014 I want to try my very best at studying.

My biggest challenge in 2013 was skiing.

My greatest hope for my family and friends in 2014 is that they have happy lives.

I learned to tell a coral snake from a milk snake in 2013.

In 2014 I want to learn science!

The biggest lesson I learned last year was that patience is a virtue.

In 2014 I want to learn violin.

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photoS: KEN

Hope Orange, 11, US

How to Keep New Year’s Resolutions Small Steps Coaching Founder and Executive Wellness Coach Dalida Turkovic provides some simple tips on getting New Year’s resolutions off the ground and preventing them from slipping off the radar: Ting Ting Wang, 11, China

Lily Mary Farid, 11, US/Iran

My favorite memory of 2013 was my first day at school.

I want to try my very best at learning next year.

I loved making friends in 2013.

My biggest personal goal for 2014 is to be a singer.

1. Get SMART “Goals should not only be realistic but S.M.A.R.T. so that we can track the progress and be accountable for every step of the process,” Turkovic says. “S.M.A.R.T. stands for: Smart, Measurable, Accountable, Realistic, Time-bound. Without these elements goals are more like dreams.” Setting concrete goals can make all the difference over the course of the year.

Sissi Guan, 11, China My favorite memory of 2013 was studying science.

For 2014, I want to try my very best at everything.

Ashleigh Churn, 12, China/Australiaalia

William Fosh, 11, UK/China

I loved being around my best friends and having fun last year.

In 2014 I hope I can keep in touch with my friends after I move.

I felt happy in 2013 every time I completed my novel study.

In 2014 I want to learn more vocabulary.

2. The Power of One “If you feel like you have struggled with resolutions in the past then choose a realistic and achievable one,” says Turkovic. “Choose something fun and inspiring so you can break the ‘not-sticking-to-my-resolutions’ cycle. If you already know that following up on the resolutions will not be a problem [for you] then go ahead with a few - you already know what works for you and stretching your boundaries may help.”

3. Baby Steps Remember, Rome was not built in a day. “It is important to monitor the progress of your goals so you know what is working and what is not. If you realize that your plan didn’t work, then adjust your course. From that perspective, you cannot fully plan every goal but a reference plan can help prepare for potential risks and setbacks.”

Annika Tanner, 11, US/China

Hetch the class hedgehog, 3, China

Kiki Nguyen, 11, Vietnam

I loved being with my friends most in 2013.

My wish in 2014 is that we could save the environment and stop war.

My happiest memory of 2013 was being rescued

by Mr. Brown and his daughter.

My wish for 2014 is lots and lots of canned cat food.

My favorite memory of 2013 is having my birthday party with friends.

My biggest goal for 2014 is to be happy.

4. A Little Help from My Friends Support from others can be just the motivation you need to stay on track. Enlist the help of friends and family, or find a group or partner committed to the same goal. “Having friends, family, colleague or a coach by your side is certainly helpful,” says Turkovic.

Resources: www.small-steps-coaching.com

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Appetite for Destruction Students from Beijing World Youth Academy chew over junk food

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photo: sui

Clockwise from top: Jessy Zhou, 17, New Zealand, has lived in Beijing for six years Rebecca Teleni, 16, Fiji, has lived in Beijing for three years Tony Fang, 17, China, has lived in Beijing for ten years Richard Sung, 16, Korea, has lived in Beijing for seven years

The Roundtable Learning

“One of the main reasons people buy junk food is because it’s cheap and easy to get”

What are your favorite junk foods?

Jessy: I like anything sweet. As IB students, we have a lot of stress and need something energizing for the long hours studying at night.

For example, if you drink any kind of fizzy drink it keeps you awake so you can finish your essay on time.

Richard: I don’t believe in energy drinks. I tried them before but they didn’t work. Whenever I don’t get enough water during the day, I feel really tired at night, but if I [am hydrated] I’m fully awake.

Tony: I don’t use energy drinks either; I rarely even drink Coke or Pepsi. If I have to eat junk food, I usually get McDonald’s. I know it’s bad for me so I only eat junk food when there’s no other choice or I don’t have much time.

Rebecca: When I’m desperate or can barely keep my eyes open, I mix Red Bull and Coke., Otherwise I just drink Red Bull every day.

The downside is that it keeps me awake into the early hours of the morning, so the rest of the day I’m a zombie.

What is junk food from your country like?

Tony: When I think of Chinese junk food I think of the little carts on the street. Those are definitely worse than McDonald’s. You don’t even know what the meat really is. Oil used in a lot of street food is [recycled] from the sewage system. But on the other hand, McDonald’s needs to make a profit and keep its costs low. A few years ago the Sanlitun branch was investigated by CCTV [when] employees were ignoring a policy on the expiration of food.

Rebecca: In Fiji we have a brand called Wishbone; they make fish and chips. I think it’s healthier than other fast food options. They make the food in front of you, so you know can see what they’re putting into it.

What makes you happier: junk food or healthy food?

Jessy: Healthy food [makes me happier]. Obviously after a while it gets boring and you have to change [it up] a bit and snack on junk food. But if you eat junk food for a long time, it will mostly likely result in higher cholesterol and [weight gain].

Richard: Immediately after eating junk food I feel full, but it’s not nutritious. If you eat healthy food, you don’t feel stuffed, but later you feel more energized.

Jessy: After you eat junk food you feel a lot more bloated, lethargic and tired; your brain is numb. If you eat healthy food you can concentrate and have a clearer mind.

What do you think of people who eat a diet that’s extremely high in junk food?

Richard: I worry for them. I saw [a story] about a healthy person eating junk food every single day and [and they] developed serious diseases.

Tony: Last Saturday a couple of friends and I went to a buffet. We were probably the only skinny people in the restaurant; all the other people were fat. No offense, but if they were Western I wouldn’t have been so surprised. But they were Asian, probably locals. There were even [obese] young kids, probably 8 or 9. It was pretty shocking.

Who do you think is responsible for what kids eat?

Rebecca: Parents are responsible. If [they] are firm enough in saying no, then the child has a chance to grow up healthy.

Richard: It’s also society’s responsibility. Research has shown for decades that junk food is bad. There are campaigns, but they’ve never [been successful]. If governments could actually reduce or block the consumption of junk food, there wouldn’t be these [health] problems now.

Tony: Our diet, our lifestyle – it’s all influenced by our parents.

Do you think junk food should be a controlled substance like cigarettes and alcohol?

Jessy: I don’t think an age limit on fast food is enforceable. Kids should be able to make their own choices because they’re going to have to make them as adults.

Richard: I think it should be controlled. There was a time when the tobacco industry was allowed to advertise freely and if you look at any channel now, you’ll see a junk food advertisement. Advertising definitely should be controlled, but I agree with Jessy; I don’t think selling these foods can be blocked. It’d be better if everyone was more aware of the fact that it’s bad.

Do you think there should be a junk food tax to help pay for medical costs associated with a poor diet?

Richard: That’s a very good idea. The tax on tobacco in the UK is so high that even if a smoker’s illness costs thousands of pounds to treat, the taxes they pay means the government can afford [it]. High taxation also reduces the consumption of tobacco products.

Rebecca: One of the main reasons people buy junk food is because it’s cheap and easy to get. By putting tax on it, people would be discouraged from consuming it and it would encourage them to pick a healthier meal.

Do you think that junk food is becoming more or less popular?

Jessy: It just keeps getting more and more popular and I don’t think McDonalds is ever going to disappear.

Tony: If I had to make a prediction I would say people will eat less junk food as they become more aware of the consequences.

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Learning Blank Canvas

Students from

Jiade Montessori Bilingual Kindergarten fill January’s Blank Canvas

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Hu Jingwen, 4, China These are flowers in a car-shaped vase.

Takahashi Yoki, 5, Japan She is singing.

Zhao Ziche, 5, China This is me!

Meng Yuexin, 4, China This vase of flowers is for my mom.

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Jiang Yueqian, 4, China This dressed-up lamb is eating grass.

Wang Xichang, 4, China The zebra is enjoying the view.

Li Yuqing, 4, China These two zebras are looking for food.

Zhang Zhixuan, 4, China A lamb is going to the park.

Jing Chuhan, 4, China This lamb is posing for a photo shoot.

Wu Yutong, 4, China The zebra mama wants the best for her zebra baby.

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Parenting Beijing Baba

Out and About (and Stressed) Taking 14-month-old twins into the big, bad, noisy world

by Christopher Lay

L

ast fall, my wife Savvy and I decided to share the blessing of having children by attending a couple of parties that were happening neither at our home nor any other homes with small children. The idea was to catch up with friends, enjoy good food, and give the kids – especially the 14-month-old twins – a change of scenery. It was a splendid idea with one tiny flaw: We made the mistake of taking the two adorable blessings with us.

Yes, having twins is a blessing. We know this because every person without twins tells us so and every parent of twins repeats the same words wistfully, knowing full well that those first two years can be a living nightmare. But at 14 months, we could see the light at the end of the (sleep-deprived) tunnel and thought that we could handle a few outings with the kids.

But here’s the catch: if you alter the sleep routine of twins in any way, they will notice and make you pay for it.

If you alter the sleep routine of twins in any way, they will notice and make you pay for it

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Christopher Lay comes from the sleepy town of Ashland, Oregon, USA. Father to 6-year-old Reina and twins Bryson and Ryder (born August 2012), Christopher has worked in Beijing for five years as a photographer and writer. View his work at www.chrislay.com.

illustration: sun zheng

The first event we attended was the beijingkids Halloween Party.

This has been a family tradition for many years. Reina likes to plan her costume far in advance and we usually go with a several other families so the kids can play together. This time, we went so far as to hire a car to take us there and back so we wouldn’t have to worry about taxis.

But despite our planning, the outing turned out to be taxing for Savvy and I. The only safe place for 14-month-olds (short of a highchair) is a walled-off space. Unfortunately, the hotel did not have nearly

enough of those so we had to hold or follow the boys everywhere.

Though a few friends tried to look after them, the scale and volume of the event meant that Bryson and Ryder wanted Mama or Baba all the time. The jury is still out on whether or not the boys will attend next year.

Our second experimental outing was to a holiday dinner party at a home with older children. The event started at 6pm; we knew we were taking a huge risk since the boys tend to crash between 8pm and 8.30pm. The evening started off all right, but between the low coffee tables, eye-level gadgets, plants, stairs, and bottles sitting on the floor, it became clear that the boys would destroy something or – worse – seriously injure themselves if given the least bit of freedom.

Leaving was also a problem because the compound could not find a taxi for us and the boys got increasingly frustrated at their lack of freedom to move around. In the end, we managed to get them to bed around 10pm but the sleep lag threw off their schedule for several days.

All in all, these two experiences taught us the value of a good home-cooked meal – heck, even a mediocre one. I’m sure they will attend more food events in the future; I just doubt any of those outings will be in 2014.

Alternate Routes Parenting

Soul Food When a restaurant goes beyond the call of duty

by Jennifer Ambrose

illustration: sun zheng

O

ur family has been going to Huanghuacheng to explore the Great Wall since our earliest months in Changping. At less than an hour’s drive away, we can often make a last-minute decision on a weekend afternoon to venture out there. Nothing tops off an afternoon of hiking and climbing like a good meal, and the countryside is full of dining options.

However, there is one restaurant we always return to in the middle of Huanghuacheng Village: Kui Po (奎酦酒家).

Before eating there for the first time, we weren’t sure how to pick out a restaurant from the many that lined the main road. In the absence of reviews or word-of-mouth endorsements, we selected one based solely on appearance.

With a long porch that offered a view of the Great Wall across the street, Kui Po could have mediocre food and still give us a unique experience. Our table outdoors was a wonderful spot to watch the day turn to evening, the Wall reduced from a formidable defensive structure to a mere crenelated shadow. The food – which was fantastic – included the usual countryside fare like eggplant and chaobing. The staff was also kind and indulgent with Myles and Brigid, who were given the run of the place.

We were back there a few more times that spring, our afternoons in pursuit of history followed by long, pleasant meals under the Great Wall.

After one such weekend, we realized we’d lost a pair of binoculars that we remembered last using in Huanghuacheng. My husband and I thought we might have left them on the Wall somewhere. Oh well, we joked; hopefully whoever found the binoculars could get a good price for them.

Several weeks passed before we returned to Huanghuacheng. We were walking past Kui Po when the owner rushed out and yelled for our attention. She pantomimed binoculars and motioned excitedly for us to follow her. Disappearing into one of the restaurant’s rooms, she emerged with our binoculars in a bag. It was almost as if we had lent them to her and she was returning them to us in perfect order.

We were flabbergasted. We thanked her ceaselessly, both on the spot and during dinner four hours later. She couldn’t know for certain that we would ever be back, and yet still held our binoculars for us. (Maybe she was just that confident in her chaobing.) This simple act sealed the deal for us; the food and environment were enough to make us regulars, but Kui Po had now won our loyalty.

The food and environment were enough to make us regulars, but Kui Po had now won our loyalty Since then, we have eaten at Kui Po countless times, bringing guests whenever we can. We still sit on the porch most evenings, though we prefer to warm up on the kang sipping hot ginger coke (jiangsi kele, 姜丝可乐) on particularly cold nights. We spent the last two Mid-Autumn Festivals there, watching the melancholy moon rise from behind the Great Wall.

So far, we haven’t left anything behind since the binoculars. The folks at Kui Po know to check our table before we drive away, but we are certain they would keep our belongings safe until next time.

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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beijingkids Isaac Zachrisson (age 7) knows 2014 to eatJanuary his veggies

Salt of

the Earth

Eat your way around the world, right here in Beijing

Reviews by Dana Cosio-Mercado, Oscar Holland, Clemence Jiang, and Nimo Wanjau; photo by Littlesones Kids & Family Portrait Studio

W

e are lucky to live in Beijing, which boasts a burgeoning food scene set to rival that of other international cities. It can be daunting to introduce new foods to picky eaters, but your children will be all the richer for it. In this year’s food issue we spotlight 16 international restaurants, including several regional Chinese cuisines. We rate each restaurant’s family-friendliness using a checklist based on our readers’ top dining considerations, from most important to least important. In addition, to ease kids into different cuisines, we include recommendations for representative yet child-friendly dishes. So go ahead – dinner is served.

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48

By cuisine

By alphabetical order

American ........................ 50

Biteapitta........................ 58

Chinese (Beijing) . ........... 51

Da Dong Roast Duck....... 51

Chinese (Sichuan) ........... 70

Dacha............................ 64

Chinese (Yunnan) . .......... 67

English Tearoom, The ..... 53

English ........................... 52

Ganges . ........................ 60

German .......................... 54

Haidilao Hot Pot ............. 70

Greek ............................. 55

Haru ............................. 56

Indian ............................ 60

Home Plate BBQ ............ 50

Iranian ........................... 68

Little Yunnan ................. 67

Israeli . ........................... 58

Pinotage ........................ 63

Italian ............................ 59

Rumi ............................. 68

Japanese ........................ 56

Santorini ....................... 55

Korean ........................... 62

South German Bakery...... 54

Russian .......................... 64

Susu ............................. 66

South African .................. 63

Tavola ........................... 59

Vietnamese .................... 66

Zixiamen ....................... 62

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2014 January

By area CBD Santorini ....................... 55

Da Dong Roast Duck ...... 51 Haru ............................. 56

Dongcheng

Home Plate BBQ ............ 50

Little Yunnan ................. 67

Pinotage ........................ 63

Susu ............................. 66

Rumi ............................. 68

Liangmaqiao

Shunyi

Home Plate BBQ ............ 50

English Tearoom, The ..... 53

South German Bakery .... 54

Pinotage ........................ 63

Tavola ........................... 59

Multiple locations

Ritan Park

Ganges . ........................ 60

Dacha ........................... 64

Haidilao Hot Pot ............. 70

Sanlitun

Wangjing

Biteapitta . ..................... 58

Zixiamen ....................... 62

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Home Plate BBQ 本垒美式烤肉 Daily 11am-10pm. Courtyard 4 (walk 100m past entrance of The Bookworm), Sanlitun North Road, Chaoyang District (400 096 7670) www.homeplatebbq.com 朝阳区三里屯北京机电院10号1层中国 银行正对面

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

✓

- Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs? ✗ - Healthy food selections? (There will be four or five salads introduced to the new menu but this is classic American fare and should probably not be consumed on a daily basis.) ✗ - On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? ✗ - Child-sized portions? ✗ - Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible? (Largely, though there are a few small stairs to contend with at the entrance.) ✓ - Quiet atmosphere?

- English menu?

- Low prices?

✓

✓

✓

- Nearby parking? (Many options in Sanlitun) ✓ - Booth seating? (Yes, but just a couple of booths) ✓ - Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff?

Home Plate BBQ An all-out American meat fest

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s one would expect from a “melting pot” nation, the variety found in the US can be attributed to the diverse backgrounds of the country’s settlers. Often characterized by variants of European classics (think pizza from Italy and the original German hamburgers), post-colonial American food is usually high in enjoyment – and fat.

But it is not all as expected. The global proliferation of fast food restaurants distract from the other culinary styles found in the US. The fresh seafood dishes of the country’s northeastern coast and the Cajun spices of Louisiana Creole cuisine show that there is more to American food than many discerning Europeans give it credit for.

The defining characteristic of American food? “Abundance,” jokes the Texas-born co-founder of Home Plate BBQ, Adam Murray. The chain’s new Sanlitun branch serves up hearty portions of southern-style classics but there is more subtlety to the cooking methods than you might think.

“There are four types of barbecue in the south,” Murray explains, “The Carolina, Memphis, Texas, and Kansas City styles are all different.” Each uses different meats, cuts, and sauces, the variety of which can be found on Home Plate’s menu.

American cuisine is probably the most family-friendly food going and we all know that burgers, fries, and barbecued meat are always a big hit with the kids. Non-American restaurants often feature these dishes on their children’s menus just to keep the little ones happy. Oscar Holland

Also try: Union and Bar and Grille, Blue Frog, Big Smoke Bistro (see Directories for listing information)

Recommended Dishes for Kids - Cheeseburger: Australian beef (a combination brisket and chuck cuts) served in a bun with lettuce, pickles, tomato, onion, and processed American cheese. RMB 35 for kids’ size, RMB 15 for fries.

- Pulled pork sandwich: This typical sandwich is made from pork shoulder barbecued for 12-15 hours until the meat easily falls away from the joint. Served in a bun with BBQ sauce and coleslaw. RMB 40.

- Corndog: A classic hot dog impaled on a stick, dipped in corn batter, and fried.

Simple as that. RMB 20.

*All prices were correct at the time of going to print but are subject to change as the Sanlitun branch launches its new menu.

✓

- Live entertainment or floor show?

(There’s a stage area that will host music and comedy in the future.) ✓

Photos: sui

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Da Dong Roast Duck No fowl play at this Beijing restaurant

B

eijing cuisine borrows heavily from other culinary traditions, including Chinese imperial cuisine, Manchu and Mongol cuisine, and regional influences from Shandong Province. The city’s hot, dry summers and long, freezing winters limit cooking to ingredients that keep relatively well, such as leeks, garlic, and spring onions. Menus at local restaurants can range from a single page at small eateries to Da Dong Roast Duck’s 130-page tome. Featuring dishes like zhajiang noodles and imperial-style sea cucumber, this menu could serve as the basis for an entire lesson on Beijing cuisine. On each table, there are also tips for making the most out of Beijing duck; for instance, you may not realize how great the crispy skin tastes dipped in a little bit of sugar. Clemence Jiang

Also try: Quanjude, Bianyifang, Jingzun Peking Duck Restaurant

Da Dong Roast Duck 北京大董烤鸭店 Daily 11am-10pm. Bldg 3, Tuanjiehu Beikou (southeast corner of Changhong Qiao), Chaoyang District (6582 2892) 朝阳区东三环路长虹桥东南角 团结湖北口3号楼

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

✓

- Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs?

- Healthy food selections?

✓

✓

- On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? ✗ - Child-sized portions?

✓

- Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓

✓ - Quiet atmosphere? ✓ - English menu? ✓ - Stroller-accessible?

- Low prices? ✗ - Nearby parking?

✓

- Booth seating? ✗

✓ - English-speaking staff? ✓ - Diaper changing table?

Photos: JUDY ZHOU AND courtesy of da dong

- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

Recommended Dishes for Kids - Da Dong roast duck (瘦肉烤鸭): Beijing’s signature dish is well-represented at Da Dong. Bite into the golden, crispy duck skin, then roll up the tender meat in a soft pancake with the restaurant’s special eight condiments (sweet sauce, spring onions, cucumber, radish, two kinds of pickled vegetables, crushed garlic, and sugar). RMB 238 per duck.

- Zhajiang noodles (炸酱面): This classic Beijing dish is made of thick wheat noodles topped with minced pork, salty fermented soybean paste and vegetables like shredded cucumber and bean sprouts. The snack-sized zhajiang noodles at Dadong are visually pleasing, and generous on meat and toppings. RMB 18.

- Kung pao shrimp (宫保虾球): This all-time children’s favorite is similar to kung pao chicken, but with less spice and a lighter texture. RMB 118.

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Photos: sui

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Ayo Ince (age 10, attends Dulwich College Beijing) enjoys afternoon tea beijingkids 2014 January

The English Tearoom It’s high time for high tea

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raditional British food is known (and sometimes derided) for its simple ingredients.

A good meal is believed to consist of “meat and two veg.” One of the vegetables is usually potato, which is roasted, boiled and mashed, or fried. It is said that the English will drop everything for their afternoon tea, although this is becoming less and less the case. The hallmarks of this rather modest cuisine can be attributed to the Puritans, who were averse to strong flavors like garlic. With the influx of immigrants after World War II, more exotic dishes started appearing on menus across the country – including the beloved chicken tikka masala. But when it comes to quintessential English food, think fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, black pudding, and the full English breakfast (toast, sausages, tomatoes, mushrooms, hash browns, bacon, fried eggs, and baked beans). For a sweet ending, pies, pasties, scones, and crumble all go down well with a spot of English tea. Dana Cosio-Mercado

Also try: Fish Nation, The Swan with Two Necks, Alfie’s Beijing

The English Tearoom 英国查房 Daily 10am-7pm. Chuangyi Yuan (near Beidong Flower Market), 1A Shunhuang Lu, Sunhe Township, Shunyi District (8459 4407, 158 1099 8410) www.englishtearoombeijing.com 顺义区孙河乡顺黄路甲1号创意园内近 北东花卉市场

Family-Friendly Checklist - Non-smoking?

✓

- Clean bathrooms? (The English Tearoom has Western toilets as well as kid-sized toilets and sinks). ✓ - Booster seats or high chairs? (High chairs available) ✓ - Healthy food selections? (The menu is designed by a nutritionist, and all the food is preservative-free.) ✓ - On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? (Designed for younger children, the Children’s Tearoom has lead-free toys from Europe and a playpen for babies.) ✓ - Child-sized portions? (Most of the items on the regular menu can be made in kids’ portions.) ✓ - Childproof table settings?

✓

- Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible?

✓

- Quiet atmosphere? (Toddler playgroups can be noisy and there are sometimes birthday parties.) ✗ - English menu?

- Low prices?

✓

✓

- Nearby parking? (There is lots of parking but it can be scarce on Saturday afternoons and Sunday mornings when there are religious services nearby.) ✓ - Booth seating? ✗ Recommended Dishes for Kids - Fish and chips: Slivers of fish are deep fried in breadcrumbs and served with a choice of regular fries, sweet potato fries, mushy peas, or baked beans. RMB 38.

- Little Shepherd’s Pie: Ground beef, onions, carrots, celery, and gravy topped with mashed potatoes and cheddar, then baked. Served with small salad. RMB 38.

- Cheese Teddy Toasts: White toast cut into the shape of a teddy bear and topped with cheddar, then baked. RMB 28 for a small order, RMB 35 for a large order.

- Diaper changing table?

✓

- English-speaking staff? ✗ - Live entertainment or floor show?

(No, but there are sometimes events like arts and crafts, storytelling, ballet, and music for toddlers.) ✓

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South German Bakery 德南面包房 Daily 9am-10pm (restaurant), 7am10pm (bakery). 27 Lucky Street, 1 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District (5867 0201) 朝阳区朝阳公园 路1号好运街27

✓

- Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs?

- Healthy food selections?

✓

✓

- On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? ✗ - Child-sized portions?

Hearty fare from the heart of Bavaria

G

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

South German Bakery

✓

erman cuisine is rich and heavy with ample portions of meat, bread, and potatoes.

Food plays a central role in German culture, as evidenced by fairy tales like Hansel and Gretel that showed lack of food to be the root cause of many problems. The country also has a strong tradition of baked goods. Pork and sausages make up a large part of the meat dishes, which are often served with sauerkraut, or sour fermented cabbage. Though the cuisine varies from region to region, German food is rarely spicy. In the north, common dishes include soups made from dried beans and Aalsuppe, a sweet and sour soup made from vegetables, dried fruits, and eel. Traditional southern cuisine includes dumplings, cheese noodles, sausages and sauerkraut, all of which can be found at South German Baker’s second-floor restaurant. Popular among families, the restaurant has a busy weekend brunch; reservations are strongly recommended since SGB only has 13 tables. The restaurant can also be booked for birthdays and other events, and offers catering services. Clemence Jiang

Also try: Schindler’s Tankstelle, Paulaner Brauhaus, Zeit Berlin

- Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible? ✗ - Quiet atmosphere? (South German Bakery is quiet during the day, but its weekend brunch tends to get very busy.) ✗ - English menu?

- Low prices?

✓

✓

✓ - Booth seating? ✓ - Nearby parking?

- Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff?

✓

- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

Recommended Dishes for Kids - German breakfast: This sumptuous breakfast set (available all day) includes a mixed bread basket, butter, homemade jam, honey, cold cuts (salami and ham), cheese, a boiled egg, and one coffee or hot chocolate. RMB 76.

- Schnipo: Available from the children’s menu, shnipo is a breaded pork escalope that comes with French fries, ketchup and mayonnaise. RMB 46.

- Swabian noodles with creamy mushroom sauce: Spätzle, or Swabian noodles, is made from wheat flour and eggs. The hand-pulled noodles are served with a creamy mushroom sauce, which can be eaten as a side dish we well as main course for kids. RMB 34.

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Santorini

My big fat Greek souvlaki

E

ating is the focal point of social and family life in Greece and you will never find yourself far from a taverna – a small restaurant serving traditional cuisine late into the night. Greek food revolves around fresh ingredients: barbecued meats, vegetables, salad, hearty breads, and plenty of olive oil. Classic ingredients include feta cheese, olive, and zucchini, with deserts often characterized by the use of nuts and honey. Not dissimilar to Middle Eastern cuisine, the Greek diet is considered to be largely healthy and responsible for the long, leisurely lives of many a Mediterranean cliché.

Due to its reliance on simplicity, food is usually prepared without strong spices or unusual flavors, making it a great choice for kids. The custom of ordering and sharing multiple dishes also reduces the risk of tantrums from picky young eaters. “There’s no main dish,” explains Ioannis Georgoulis, owner of Santorini, a newly-opened Mediterranean restaurant in the CBD. “We normally serve many dishes all at the same time.”

According to Georgoulis the cuisine’s defining dish is tzatziki, a simple blend of yogurt (usually made from sheep or goat’s milk), cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and light seasoning.

Always served cold, it can accompany grilled meats or be used as a dip for pita bread, which is distinctly thicker in Greece than in its neighboring countries. Tzatziki is also a key ingredient in a number of Greek dishes, including meat wraps like gyro and souvlaki (below). Oscar Holland

Also try: Argo, Athena

Recommended Dishes for Kids - Greek salad: Often shared between the table, this typical salad comprises of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, olives, green peppers, and feta cheese. RMB 24 for large, RMB 15 for small.

- Souvlaki: A filling of your choice wrapped in a thick Greek pita with onion, tomato, and tzatziki sauce. There is a special treat for kids in the form of potato fries at the bottom of the wrap. RMB 19-24 depending on choice of meat.

- Kefte with rice: Classic Greek meatballs, well cooked on the outside and succulent on the inside. Served with rice and additional tzatziki (RMB 8). RMB 22.

Santorini Daily 10.30am-10pm. Shop 129A, Unit 3, Guanghua Lu SOHO, Chaoyang District (Delivery: 5290 7261) 朝阳区光华 路SOHO 3单元129A室

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

✓

- Clean bathrooms? (Yes, though customers have to use Guanghua Lu SOHO’s.) ✓ - Booster seats or high chairs? ✗ - Healthy food selections? (Yes, plenty of fresh vegetables and salads.) ✓ - On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? ✗ - Child-sized portions? (A number of dishes come in mini sizes.) ✓ - Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? (Yes, although the restaurant is newly-opened.) ✓ - Stroller-accessible?

✓

- Quiet atmosphere? (Yes, by virtue of the restaurant’s small size.) ✓ - English menu?

- Low prices?

✓

✓

- Nearby parking? (Yes, in the basement of Guanghua Lu SOHO.) ✓ - Booth seating? (The restaurant is very small, with one central table that can seat 4-6 people and another ten or so stools around the edge. However, Santorini does takeout within a 5km radius.) ✗ - Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff? (The owners speak English, but service was inconsistent among the Chinese staff when we called for delivery.) ✓

Photos: sui

- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

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Photos: ken

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Haru

Teppanyaki? More like teppan-yummy

T

he beauty of Japanese food can be found in the variety of cooking techniques used by the country’s highly-skilled chefs. A simple piece of fish for instance, can be lightly fried, served raw as sashimi, or deep fried in batter to make tempura.

The distinctive flavors of Japanese cuisine come from ingredients like dashi (the stock used in miso soup), soy sauce, and rice wines like sake. As in China, many dishes are rice-based, including the quintessential sushi, which encapsulates the intricacy of the Japanese culinary tradition. Noodles also feature prominently, from thin soba to satisfyingly thick udon.

Given that the cuisine hails from a nation of islands, it is no surprise that Japanese food relies heavily on fish and seafood. But while the cuisine has historically steered clear of meat, the use of beef and pork has become more common in modern Japanese fusion dishes like Katsu curry.

Another more recent phenomenon in Japanese cuisine is teppanyaki, where food is cooked on a flat iron surface grill, often in full view of diners. Many kids enjoy watching the dishes being prepared in front of them, which can make it a fun choice for families.

The freshness of the ingredient used is crucial, according to Peter Li, owner of Haru, a teppanyaki restaurant in Sanlitun’s Village North. “We try not to cook things too much,” he explains. “Japanese food is all about respecting the ingredients and keeping their original taste.” Oscar Holland

Also try: Matsuko, Hatsune

Haru 尚水长廊铁板烧餐厅 Daily 11.30am-2pm and 5.30-10pm, Unit N4-30, 3/F, Sanlitun Village North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6415 2112) 朝阳区三里屯路11号院 (Village 北区) 能号楼3层N4-30

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

✓

- Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs?

✓

- Healthy food selections? (Yes, plenty of fresh vegetables and salads.) ✓ - On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? ✗ - Child-sized portions? ✗ - Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible? (You have to take an escalator to reach Haru. The staff can assist if needed.) ✗ - Quiet atmosphere?

- English menu?

✓

✓

- Low prices? ✗ - Nearby parking? (Free underground parking available in the basement of Tai Koo Li North) ✓ - Booth seating? ✗ - Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff?

✓

- Live entertainment or floor show?

(Not officially, but seeing the chefs in action is certainly live entertainment of sorts.) ✗ Recommended dishes for kids As reviewed by Yushan Li (age 7, pictured above), daughter of Owner Peter Li: - Teppanyaki selection: “I like the fish because it’s really fresh. It was cooked right here,” she says, pointing to the teppanyaki griddle at the table. Adults and adventurous kids like Yushan may enjoy the goose liver (RMB 128). RMB 75 for cod, RMB 48 for steamed egg, RMB 20 for roasted bread.

- Fried rice: Cooked with carrot, onion, pepper, mushroom, and soy sauce. “My granddad used to make fried rice with sauce, but it’s better this way because it’s a little bit sweet and has vegetables.” RMB 25.

- Teppanyaki ice cream with cheese cake: “It’s so sweet!” (Meant in an entirely positive way, of course.) RMB 35, multiple flavors.

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Biteapitta 吧嗒饼 Daily 11am-11pm. 2/F, Tongli Studio (same block as First Floor), Sanlitun Houjie, Chaoyang District (6467 2941) 朝阳区三里屯后街同里2层

✓

- Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs?

- Healthy food selections?

- On-table distractions?

It’s all kosher here

I

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

Biteapitta

✓

✓

sraeli cuisine borrows from a variety of influences, not the least the Jews who migrated from Europe, Africa, and Asia after the formation of the state in 1948. The food must conform to Jewish dietary law, kashrut, which forbids the use of pork. Though Beijing’s Biteapitta does serve typical Israeli food such as tabouleh salad, seniya (grilled lamb kebab), hummus and pita, Owner Avi Shabtari prefers to think of the restaurant’s menu as Middle Eastern. Herbs such as basil, parsley, and mint are used in a wide range of dishes. Few of the dishes at Biteapitta contain spice and most are easily shared between two people. Among the many healthy options are salads, grilled vegetables, and chickpea dips. Nimo Wanjau

Also try: Dini’s Kosher Restaurant

✓

- Kids’ play area? ✗ - Child-sized portions?

✓

- Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible? (Biteapitta is located on the second floor of a walkup.) ✗ - Quiet atmosphere? (Depends on the time of day; it tends to get noisy on evenings and weekends.) ✗ - English menu?

- Low prices?

✓

✓

- Nearby parking? (Free underground parking available in the basement of Tai Koo Li) ✓ - Booth seating? ✗

✓ - English-speaking staff? ✓ - Diaper changing table?

- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

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Photos: littleones kids & family portrait studio

Recommended Dishes for Kids - Tomato mozzarella pitta: A pitta filled with tomato and mozzarella cheese.

RMB 55.

- Hummus with falafel: A chickpea paste supplemented with tahini sauce (made from sesame seeds) and comes with six falafel balls (deep-fried chickpeas and fava beans). RMB 40.

- Couscous topped with vegetable soup: This common North African dish is made from homemade semolina accompanied by a vegetable soup. RMB 40.

Tavola Back to basics

I

talian cuisine is best known for its minimalist approach, which focuses on the quality of ingredients rather than elaborate preparation methods. This simple principle is echoed by Tavola Executive Chef Travaglini Achille, who says that the restaurant only uses imported buffalo cheese to make their pizzas. In addition, all pizzas are baked in a wood-fired oven.

The origins of the beloved pizza are unclear, but one popular urban legend concerns the birth of margherita pizza. In 1889, Queen Margherita visited the Pizzeria Brandi in Naples.

In her honor, Chef Raffaele Esposito made a special pizza containing the colors of the brand-new Italian flag: red (tomato), white (mozzarella), and green (basil).

At Tavola, there are very few spicy dishes. However, the portions are on the small side; we recommended a minimum of two dishes per adult. Note that there is a 10 percent service charge on all items. Nimo Wanjau

Tavola 塔沃拉意大利餐厅 Daily 11.30am-2.30pm, 6pm-10.30pm.

2/F, The Grand Summit, Section B, Liangmaqiao Diplomatic Mansion, 19 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang District (8532 5068) 朝阳区东方东路19号亮 马桥外交公寓会所2层

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking? (Smoking is allowed at Tavola. Families should sit closer to the kitchen, away from the bar.) ✗ - Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs?

- Healthy food selections?

Also try: Mercante

✓

✓

- On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? ✗

Recommended Dishes for Kids The latter two are only available as part of a set menu for kids (RMB 128) that includes ice cream and soft drinks.

- Margherita pizza: A classic made from mozzarella, basil, and tomato. RMB 88.

- Chicken Milanese: A breaded deep fried chicken breast served with fries.

- Pasta bolognese: A classic, the freshly-made Bolognese sauce contains minced meat, tomatoes, carrots, and celery.

- Child-sized portions?

✓

- Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✗

✓ - Quiet atmosphere? ✓ - English menu? ✓

- Stroller-accessible?

- Low prices? ✗ - Nearby parking?

✓

- Booth seating? ✗ - Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff?

✓

Photos: ken

- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

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Photos: ken

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Ganges

Currying favor with expats since 2005

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ummarizing the cuisine of a continent-sized country is no mean feat. Despite the use of the blanket term “curry”, Indian cuisine differs dramatically from region to region.

The common way of understanding Indian food is to distinguish between the country’s north and south. The latter is characterized by lentils and rice, according to Laxman Hemnani, director of Ganges, a restaurant chain with five branches across Beijing.

North Indian food, which makes up about two thirds of Ganges’ menu, is more breadbased and is normally served with naan or chapati. “The highlight of North Indian food is the tandoori [clay oven] and the second important element is cashews and cream,” he explains.

Tying together the country’s diverse dishes is the sometimes heavy use of spices. Cumin, red chili powder, and garam masala can all be found in abundance in Indian dishes. The cuisine’s defining dish is tikka masala, according to Hemnani. It is the most popular choice at Ganges (and in Indian restaurants around the world), which is perhaps ironic given that it was reportedly invented in a curry house in the UK. But while some children like their food hotter than midday in Mumbai, spiciness can pose a problem for the faint of tongue. Thankfully, there are always mild options with creamy gravies for kids who want curry without the kick. Oscar Holland

Also try: Mirch Masala, The Taj Pavilion, Santoor

Ganges 恒河印度餐厅 Daily 11am-10.30pm, 2F-202 Building 1, Shimao Dept, 13 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6416 0181/6121) 朝阳区工体北路13号世贸百货1号楼 2层202 See www.ganges-restaurant.com for other Beijing branches.

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

✓

- Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs?

- Healthy food selections?

✓

✓

- On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? (No, but the Lido branch has a play area with toys.) ✗ - Child-sized portions? (It is not advertised on the menu at the Sanlitun branch, but there is a kids’ combo menu for RMB 60 available upon request.) ✓ - Childproof table settings? (Yes, there is a children’s fork and spoon set with a plastic cup and bowl.) ✓ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible?

✓

- Quiet atmosphere? (Quiet during the day, tends to get busy evenings and weekends) ✗ - English menu?

- Low prices?

✓

✓

- Nearby parking? (Free parking in the mall’s basement) ✓ - Booth seating? ✗ - Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff?

Recommended Dishes for Kids As reviewed by Teertha Kumari (age 11, pictured above), daughter of Rakesh Kumar, manager of Ganges’ Haidian branch: - Vegetable samosa: Mixed vegetable filling in fried pastry. “It’s yummy. I like the contrast in texture and I don’t find it spicy.” RMB 25 for three.

- Chicken shahi korma: Boneless chicken and mango in creamy cashew nut gravy.

“I like the chicken in this one and the mango adds something fruity.” RMB 58, rice and sundries sold separately.

- Chicken malai tikka: Seasoned boneless chicken served with yogurt and cream.

“It’s perfectly cooked. There’s nothing missing.” RMB 48.

✓

- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

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Zixiamen 紫霞门韩国料理 Daily 11am-9:30pm. 5/F, Zhongfu Shopping Center, 201 Nanhu Dongyuan, Chaoyang District (84782323) 望 京南湖东园201号中福百货5层

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- Clean bathrooms?

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- Healthy food selections?

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- On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area?

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- Child-sized portions?

- Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓

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- Quiet atmosphere? ✗ - English menu?

- Low prices?

orean cuisine is mainly based around vegetables, meat, and rice. Kimchi – sour and spicy fermented cabbage – is often served as a side dish. Korean food is light and healthy, using condiments like sesame oil, fermented bean paste, soy sauce, garlic, and red chili paste. Korean meals are also noted for the number of appetizers (or banchan) that accompany the main course. This tradition is well-demonstrated at Zixiamen, where diners can sample up to ten types of banchan ranging from kimchi to spinach, mushroom, squid, and beef – with free refills to boot. Located in Wangjing, Beijing’s unofficial Little Korea, Zixiamen is a favorite among Korean expats. The restaurant also boasts good service, reasonable prices, and a family-friendly focus. Fresh-squeezed juices are available from a stand, the breastfeeding room has a bed for mothers to rest on, and diapers are available for free from the front desk. Clemence Jiang

Also try: Aijiangshan, Saveurs de Corée, Iki Barbecue

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- Childproof table settings? ✗

- Stroller-accessible?

Korean cuisine at its most authentic

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Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

Zixiamen

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Recommended Dishes for Kids - Jumbo fresh beef rib: Of a cow’s 13 pairs of ribs, only the best (the sixth, seventh, and eighth) are selected for this dish. The meat is barbecued on the grill and needs no dipping sauce.

- Fried prawns and assorted vegetables: Deep-fried root vegetables (carrot, lotus root, onion and potato) are served with prawns on a huge plate. This dish can serve as an appetizer or a snack to keep the kids busy. RMB 68.

- Steamed egg: The humble steamed egg is a favorite side dish among Koreans.

Most kids can enjoy the egg’s light taste, but be careful not to touch the hot stone bowl. RMB 20.

✓ - Booth seating? ✓ - Nearby parking?

✓ - English-speaking staff? ✓ - Diaper changing table?

- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

Photos: ken

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Pinotage

Rainbow food from the rainbow country

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raditional South African cuisine is known as “rainbow food” for its blend of influences from indigenous cooking, European settlers, Malay slave colonies, and the largest Indian population outside of India. This rich cuisine is heavy in meat and uses many spices. Braai (or barbecue) is a central feature of South African cooking, acting as social as well as dining events. Friends and family bring meat, salad, or a side dish, potluck-style. These laid-back events are also known as dop en tjop; dop and tjop are Aafrikans slang for an alcoholic drink and “lamb chop” respectively. Beer and wine are also important to South African cuisine. In the past, indigenous tribes made their own brews from sorghum, long before Europeans arrived in the 1600s. The first Dutch settlers were tasked with planting vineyards in the false belief that consuming wine would be effective for combating scurvy on long sea voyages. Dana Cosio-Mercado

Pinotage Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-9pm; SatSun 11am-10pm. Chuangyi Yuan (near Beidong Flower Market), 3A Shunhuang Lu, Sunhe Township, Shunyi District (8459 5868) 顺义区孙河顺黄 路甲3号创意园内近北东花卉市

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking? (Yes, but the wine bar is not. Smoke tends to waft in through the restaurant entrance, so sit closer to the back if you want to avoid the smell.) ✓ - Clean bathrooms?

Also try: Turay’s Africa House

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- Booster seats or high chairs? (High chairs available) ✓ - Healthy food selections? (The menu is designed by a nutritionist, and all the food is preservative-free.) ✓ - On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? (Clean playroom with mats and a modest selection of toys. It has windows so you can keep an eye on your kids while you dine.) ✓ - Child-sized portions? (Has crowdpleasing options like ribs, nuggets, burgers, and pasta, with plans to offer kid-friendly South African food in smaller portions.) ✓ - Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible? ✗ - Quiet atmosphere? (The further away you sit from the wine bar, the quieter it is.) ✗

Photos: Lova and Vivaxiao photography studio

- English menu?

- Low prices?

Recommended Dishes for Kids - Vetkoek with savory mince: Translated as “fat cake” in Afrikaans, vetkoek is a fluffy, slightly sweet roll stuffed with minced beef and grated cheese. A favorite for kids in South Africa that will soon be available in child-sized portions. RMB 40.

- Boerewors roll: A farmer’s sausage made from ground beef, herbs, vinegar, and spices. The sausage is coiled and barbecued whole, cut into kid-sized pieces, then served in a freshly-baked roll with tomato sauce and fried onions. Soon available on the Pinotage menu for RMB 40.

- Durban lamb curry: A hearty tomato-based stew of lean lamb seasoned with garlic, ginger, fenugreek, masala, coriander, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves. Served with a side of basmati rice or a roll. RMB 70.

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- Nearby parking?

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- Booth seating? ✗ - Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff?

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- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

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Photos: nimo wanjau

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Dacha

Taking Russian roulette out of the food equation

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ussian cuisine is characterized by relatively elaborate preparation methods. There are variations on each dish; for instance, the same pancakes can be stuffed or deep-fried. In addition, simple foods are often paired with rich foods such as red caviar.

One of the most common ingredients is milk, which is used in pancakes, cheese, and even cutlets. The latter, which are considered to be one of the most representative dishes, can be made of meat or vegetables. The meat is usually minced beef, pork, or lamb. Cutlets are usually served with rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta.

Maslenitsa, also known as Pancake Week, is a festival to celebrate the onset of Lent.

During this time, meat is forbidden and the main staple is pancakes. The festival has pagan origins, as it also marks the beginning of spring and the end of winter.

At Dacha, a new Russian restaurant near Ritan Park, the dishes can range from very sweet to sour and tangy. There are few spicy options. The generous portions mean that a family of three can easily share mains. There is also a wide range of salads and vegetable dishes available for the health-conscious. Nimo Wanjau

Also try: The Elephant, Traktirr Pushkin

Dacha 别墅西餐厅 Daily 10am-3am. 1 Ritan Lu (on the north side of Ritan Hotel), Chaoyang District (150 0101 7888) 朝阳区日坛 路1号（日坛宾馆北侧）

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking? (Smoking is allowed in parts of Dacha. However, there are private rooms available and the area around the play room is a non-smoking zone.) ✗ - Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs?

- Healthy food selections?

- On-table distractions?

- Kids’ play area?

✓

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- Child-sized portions?

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- Childproof table settings?

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- Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible?

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- Quiet atmosphere? (Quiet during the day, but families are advised to leave before the nightly floor show.) ✓ - English menu?

✓

✓ - Nearby parking? ✓ - Booth seating? ✓ - Affordable prices?

✓ - English-speaking staff? ✓ - Diaper changing table?

Recommended Dishes for Kids As reviewed by Vasiliana Lustina (age 5, pictured to the left), daughter of Dacha Owner Svetlana Lustina: - Blinchiki: Blinchiki (or Russian crepes) are served with sour cream, condensed milk, jam, butter or honey. “I can eat so many at any time. This is my favorite.”

RMB 28 each.

- Posylka ot babushki: This chicken kotleta (cutlet) is covered with breadcrumbs, deep-fried, and served with mashed potatoes. “It’s yummy and if I am not full from eating pancakes, I eat all the pieces.” RMB 38.

- Cottage cheese with sour cream and jam: Many kids do not like cottage cheese, but the jam makes it a pleasant variant for even younger children. “This is not as bad as it sounds. Mama says it’s good for me.” RMB 32.

- Live entertainment or floor show?

(Yes, but we stress that it is not suitable for children. It starts at 8.30pm every night.) ✓

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Susu 苏苏会 Tue- Sun 11.30am-11pm. 10 Qianliang Hutong Xixiang, Dongcheng District (8400 2699) 东城区钱粮胡同西巷10号

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- Healthy food selections?

Digging into one of the world’s healthiest cuisines usu serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a refined and intimate courtyard setting in Dongsi. The soul of Vietnamese cuisine is best reflected in its national obsession: pho, a rice noodle soup consisting of clear broth that is simple, fresh, and light. Susu’s calling cards are fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and a balance between vegetables and meat. Common seasonings include fish sauce, shrimp paste, hot peppers, lemongrass, ginger, mint, coriander, lime, and basil leaves. You can easily spot Susu’s signature dishes on the manageable two-page menu, along with more innovative ones such as the Five Color Salad (RMB 45). Clemence Jiang

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

Susu

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Also try: Le Little Saigon, Muse Parisian Vietnamese Brasserie

- On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? ✗ - Child-sized portions?

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- Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible?

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- Quiet atmosphere? ✗ - English menu?

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- Low prices? ✗ - Nearby parking? ✗ - Booth seating?

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- Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff?

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- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

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Photos: clemence jiang

Recommended Dishes for Kids - Salmon roll: Filled with raw vegetables and vermicelli, this roll contains seared salmon bathed in balsamic vinegar, olive oil and fish sauce. RMB 58.

- Beef pho: The rich broth in Susu’s pho is simmered from rare beef and brisket with cinnamon, star anise and black cardamom. Our only criticism is that the dish could have used a bit more broth. RMB 32 for a medium serving.

- Fish cakes: These tender fish cakes are made from freshwater bass and fennel leaves with sweet and sour fish sauce. Even younger children can enjoy this.

RMB 58.

Little Yunnan Into the melting pot

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unnan cuisine is hard to pin down, owing its eclectic nature to the convergence of Han and minority influences as well as its proximity to Burma, Laos, and Vietnam. As China’s most biodiverse province, a discussion of Yunnan food would not be complete without mentioning the 800 varieties of mushrooms that spring up between July and September. Ranging from fleshy porcini to carrot-colored saffron milk caps, mushrooms are usually simply prepared to preserve their taste and texture. Sour and spicy flavors predominate, with liberal use of herbs and garnishes like lemongrass, mint, lime, and coriander.

In Beijing, Yunnan restaurants tend to tone down the spiciness of their dishes to better suit northern palates, says Little Yunnan Owner Qiu Qin. However, all the province’s greatest hits can be found on the menu, including pan-fried goat cheese, smoked ham, and mushrooms airlifted straight from Yunnan. Adventurous eaters should pull on a pair of plastic gloves and dive into Little Yunnan’s signature crayfish (RMB 60-70 per jin depending on size), available every year from March to early December. Sijia Chen

Also try: Dali Renjia, Yun’er Xiaozhen, Aimo Town

Recommended Dishes for Kids - Smashed potato (老奶奶洋芋): In Chinese, this dish is known as “Grandma’s Potato” because its soft consistency makes it accessible even to toothless grannies.

RMB 26.

- Pan-fried Yunnan goat cheese (乳饼): Lightly dip the rubing in sugar for a salty-and-sweet taste symphony. RMB 22.

- Pineapple rice (菠萝饭): This Dai dish features short-grain rice cooked inside a hollowed-out pineapple half. The rice is glutinous, sweet, and delicious. RMB 28.

Little Yunnan 小云南 Daily 11am-midnight. 28 Donghuangchenggen Beijie, Dongcheng District (6401 9498) 东城区东黄城根 北街28号

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking? (Little Yunnan allows smoking, but Qiu Qin says patrons are asked to tone it down when kids are around.) ✗ - Clean bathrooms? (A single squat toilet adjacent to the restaurant’s courtyard) ✗ - Booster seats or high chairs? (One high chair) ✓ - Healthy food selections? (There is a meat-free section for vegetarians) ✓ - On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area? ✗ - Child-sized portions? ✗ - Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible? (Yes, but you have to go over a raised threshold to access the courtyard. Strollers can be stashed outside.) ✓ - Quiet atmosphere? (During the day, yes. However, the courtyard is bustling in the summer and Little Yunnan tends to be busy for dinner.) ✗ - English menu?

- Low prices?

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- Nearby parking? (Available on the street outside the restaurant) ✓ - Booth seating? (No, but two loft spaces offer private dining) ✗

Photos: mitchell pe masilun

- Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff? ✗ - Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

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Photos: ken

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Rumi

The subtle aromas of Persian cuisine

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ranian cuisine (also known as Persian cuisine) draws influences from Mesopotamia, Anatolia, and Central Asia. Persian dishes are halal, or prepared according to Islamic traditions.

Iranian food distinguishes itself from other Middle Eastern cuisines by its preparation methods. Rice (or polo), one of the staples, is soaked in salted water before boiling. The parboiled rice (called chelo) is then drained and returned to the pot for steaming. Basil is a major ingredient in most dishes as well as coriander, saffron, and rose water for desserts.

Aroma is paramount; therefore, Iranaian cuisine uses many herbs but very few spices.

At Rumi, Beijing’s only Persian restaurant, the portions are generous. One meat dish can be shared between two people and there is a children’s menu. Vegetables can be substituted for meat in some of the grilled dishes, and the salads are large enough to serve as main courses. The most representative dish is ash-e-reshteh, a thick legume and noodle soup with lentils especially suited to winter. Nimo Wanjau

Rumi 入迷 Daily 11.30am-midnight. 1A Gongti Beilu (opposite Zhaolong Hotel), Chaoyang District (8454 3838) 朝阳区 工体北路甲1号兆龙饭店对面

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking? (The seats along the window are designated for smokers while the rest of the restaurant is nonsmoking.) ✓ - Clean bathrooms?

✓

- Booster seats or high chairs?

- Healthy food selections?

Also try: Alameen, 1001 Nights

✓

- On-table distractions? ✗ - Kids’ play area?

Recommended Dishes for Kids As reviewed by Nadia Mohebati (age 14, pictured to the left), daughter of Owner Bita Mohebati: - King prawn, mango, and cashew nuts salad: This light yet filling salad is served with a lemon and an olive oil dressing. “This is my favorite because I love mangoes.” RMB 69.

- Lubia polo: Rice with diced beef cooked in a tomato base with greens beans for garnish. “I love to carry this to school for lunch and share it with all my friends, as they really like it too.” RMB 49.

- Ash-e-reshteh: “I eat this because my mom makes me eat it.” RMB 38.

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- Childproof table settings? ✗ - Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓

✓ - Quiet atmosphere? ✓ - English menu? ✓ - Low prices? ✓ - Nearby parking? ✓ - Booth seating? ✓ - Stroller-accessible?

- Diaper changing table? ✗ - English-speaking staff?

✓

- Live entertainment or floor show? ✗

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Photos: courtesy of haidilao

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Haidilao Hot Pot

Sichuan hot pot and legendary hospitality

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n Sichuan, hot pot is like teahouses and cloudy skies; it is part of the fabric of daily life. The broth is usually infused with hot spices and Sichuan peppercorns. Typical sides include vegetables, tofu, seafood, and animal parts like intestines and coagulated blood. By contrast, northern Chinese hot pot is characterized by its use of clear broths (sometimes even just plain water), meat (especially pork, lamb and beef), and cabbage.

Haidilao (海底捞火锅) is a renown Sichuan hot pot chain with great food and mind-blowing service. The restaurant is always packed and with people, but diners can get their nails done and enjoy fruit and snacks while they are waiting. The extensive menu (available in Chinese, English and Korean) offers a wide range of broths (including clear, spicy, tomato, and mushroom) and ingredients to please all ages. There is a self-serve bar with more than 20 sauces and spices to customize your dipping sauce with, along with additional freebies like congee, fruits, and salad. Each branch of Haidilao has a spacious kids’ playroom with well-trained staff to look after the children. High chairs, cribs, and even diapers are available upon request. Clemence Jiang

Also try: Ding Ding Xiang

Haidilao Hot Pot Daily 24 hours. Multiple locations in Beijing; check our website for the latest one.

Family-Friendly Checklist: - Non-smoking?

✓

- Clean bathrooms?

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- Booster seats or high chairs?

- Healthy food selections?

- On-table distractions?

- Kids’ play area?

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- Child-sized portions? (All sides are available in half-portions.) ✓ - Childproof table settings?

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- Staff accustomed to dealing with children? ✓ - Stroller-accessible?

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- Quiet atmosphere? (Haidilao is always packed – and we mean always.) ✗ - English menu?

✓

✓ - Nearby parking? ✓ - Booth seating? ✓ - Affordable prices?

✓ - English-speaking staff? ✓ - Diaper changing table?

- Live entertainment or floor show?

✓

Recommended Dishes for Kids - Ying yang hot pot broth (鸳鸯火锅): The classic ying yang broth is perfect for families with both spice lovers and spice haters. The pot is divided into two halves by a copper slider in the middle, offering spicy and non-spicy options in one pot.

RMB 61.

- Shrimp paste (虾滑): A helpful waiter will squeeze shrimp paste from a piping bag into the broth. The tender and juicy shrimp comes out looking like a meatball.

RMB 36 per serving.

- Dancing noodles (抻面): Ordering this item will result in an energetic waiter coming to your table to stretch and twirl dough in a gravity-defying dance.

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hough far from cheap, hotel brunches offer reliability, convenience, and a plethora of choices to satisfy picky eaters and disparate tastes. But with so many vying for your attention (and renminbi), how does one separate the best from the rest? Luckily, we do the testing for you. (Note that all prices carry a 15 percent surcharge.)

Sunday Zone at Kerry Hotel Beijing The city’s newest Sunday brunch includes access to Kerry Hotel Beijing’s Adventure Zone, a play center built from imported parts and featuring a 7.3m-high slide with a sheer drop (see Birthday Bash on p17 for a review). The brunch selection is all about customization, with different stations offering made-to-order Asian and Western dishes. The dessert corner is one of the most extensive in the city, with big bins filled with candy and rocky road chocolate that can be chipped off with a mallet.

RMB 398+ per adult (no alcohol), RMB 498+ (all-you-can-drink champagne), RMB 194+ per child (ages 6-12, includes access to Adventure Zone for two hours between 11.30am-3pm), free for kids under 6. For every two paying adults, one child under 6 can get access to the Adventure Zone; additional children are charged a minimum of RMB 100 each for entry. Sun 11.30am-3pm. Kerry’s Kitchen, 1/F, Kerry Hotel Beijing, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District (8565 2088 ext 40) 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里酒店1层嘉品

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Photos: courtesy of respective hotels

360° Brunch at Hilton Beijing Capital Airport Popular among Shunyi residents, this Sunday brunch features seafood, Beijing duck, sushi, meat carving stations, sweets, and more. Kids can let loose in the supervised playroom while Mom and Dad sip on Mumm champagne.

RMB 398+ (includes champagne, wine, cocktails, and soft drinks), RMB 338+ (no alcohol), RMB 169+ (ages 6-11), free for kids under 6. Sun 11.30am-3pm. Hilton Beijing Capital Airport, Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport, Chaoyang District (6458 8888) 朝阳区北京首都机场三号航站楼北京 首都机场希尔顿酒店

Kranzler’s Sweet Escape Sunday Brunch at Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center As can be expected at the Kempinski, Kranzler’s Sunday brunch skews more European with hearty German sausages, fresh-baked bread, and apple strudel. Kids will enjoy the chocolate fountain, Movenpick ice cream, and play area complete with a clown who makes balloon animals.

RMB 348 (no alcohol), RMB 388 (includes red and white wine), half price for ages 6-12, free for kids under 6. Sun 11am-3pm. Kranzler’s, 1/F, Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (6465 3388 ext 4222) 朝阳区亮马桥路50号凯宾斯基酒店1层 客来思乐餐厅

Bubbalicious Brunch at The Westin Beijing Chaoyang One of the big daddies of the hotel brunch scene, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang’s Bubbalicious Brunch remains one of the most popular with families for its food selection and convenient location. On Sundays, you can find noodles, dim sum, teppanyaki, Indian food, carving stations, salads, kebabs, Chinese food, seafood, and more in a casual atmosphere.

There is an entire room dedicated to dessert, as well as a children’s playroom with toys and activities.

RMB 478 (includes soft drinks), RMB 508 (includes soft drinks, red wine and white wine), or RMB 548 (includes soft drinks, red wine, white wine, and champagne), half price for ages 6-12, free for kids under 6. Sun 11.30am-3pm. The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 7 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District (5922 8888 ext 8178) 朝阳区东三环北路7号金茂北 京威斯汀大饭店

Brunch Attitude at Sofitel Wanda Beijing Do not be put off by the Sofitel’s rather imposing exterior; the Sunday brunch at VIC boasts a kids’ play room with games, toys, and movies. The food selection follows four different themes: Shake and Choc (chocolate and cocktails), Organic Green (healthy fare), French Gourmet (20 kinds of cheese with French wines), and Stylish Pink (pretty self-explanatory). The best part?

As of last month, brunch is now free for ages 12 and under.

RMB 408 (includes soft drinks and juices), RMB 438 (includes wine and beer), RMB 498 (includes champagne), free for ages 12 and under. Tower C, Wanda Plaza, 93 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District (8599 6666) 朝阳区建国路93号万达广场C座北京万达 索菲特大饭店

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Directories Family Dining

公园6号蓝色港湾湖畔美食街; 3) 朝阳区酒仙桥 路18号颐堤港1层; 4) 朝阳区将台路6号

African

Hungry Horse You won’t go hungry at this Pinnacle Plaza eatery in Shunyi. Besides the bountiful offerings of burgers, salads, breakfast plates, pastas and pizzas, we can recommend the satisfying Reuben and French dip sandwiches – just don’t go expecting pure authenticity. Mon-Fri 10am-10pm, SatSun 8.30am-10pm. Stall 609, Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District. (8046 5519) 红马美国餐厅, 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场609

Turay’s Africa House Turay’s tribute to the food, culture and music of Africa. Daily 11am-midnight. 2/F, Unit 5, International Wonderland, 39 Xingfu Ercun, Chaoyang District. (8444 4169) 图瑞非洲之家, 朝阳区幸 福二村39号首开广场5号单元2层

American Union Bar & Grille Reliable American favorites like steak, burgers, wings, brunch, and more. The bottomless coffee and ice tea are a nice touch, and kid-friendly brown paper coverings on every table invite doodling. Mon-Fri 11am-11pm,Sat-Sun 11ammidnight. S6-31, 3/F, Bldg 6, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District.

(6415 9117) 优年美式餐厅, 朝阳区三里屯路19 号三里屯Village南区6号楼3层S6-31 The Big Smoke Bistro It’s a good time to be living in Beijing – the food and drinks at The Big Smoke Bistro are yet another testament to that fact. Considering this is a barbecue joint, the meats took their rightful place at center stage--succulent eight-hour woodfired pig (RMB 68) will be a big draw for some, but you’ll want to eat it right away, as the crackly skin got rubbery after a few minutes. We tried lamb two ways: eighthour oven braised shanks (RMB 68) and braised cutlets with a coffee and ancho-chilli sauce (RMB 65). Both were crowd-pleasers.

Microbrewery Jing A is situated on the premises. Closed Mon during soft-opening period. Lee World Building (down the alley from Frost Nails), 57 Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (6416 5195) 朝阳区幸福村 中路57号楼利世楼 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-midnight.

167, 1/F, Indigo, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8426 0017, info@bluefrog.com. cn); 2) Daily 10am-late. S4-30, 3/F, Bldg 4, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6417 4030, info@ bluefrog.com.cn); 3) Daily 10am-late. 1/F, Bldg 1, U-Town, Sanfeng Beili, Chaoyang District. (8561 2665, info@bluefrog.com.cn) www.bluefrog.com.cn 蓝蛙, 1) 朝阳区颐堤港 店酒仙桥路18号1层167号; 2) 朝阳区三里屯北 路19号三里屯Village南区4号楼3层S4-30; 3) 朝 阳区三丰北里悠唐生活广场1号楼1层 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); 2) MonThu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm. Solana Lakeside Dining Street, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District.

(5905 1908); 3) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, SatSun 10am-10pm. 1/F, Indigo, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8420 0565); 4) SunThu 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 8am-midnight. 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (6433 5058) www.elementfresh.com 新元素, 1) 朝阳区三 里屯路19号院三里屯Village 3层; 2) 朝阳区朝阳

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British Alfie’s Beijing A restaurant specializing in English comfort food, this venue features eats ranging from cottage pie with port wine to braised veal rump with carrots and creamy mash. Also sports a great drink menu with both creative and classic cocktails. Try a Cool Beijing (Absolut, grapefruit juice, creme de cassis, and ginger beer) or choose a selection from the well-stocked wine and scotch list.

Daily 10am-10pm. L1-22, 1/F, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District.

(5662 8777) 朝阳区东大桥路9号侨福芳草地大 厦1层L1-22 Fish Nation Hearty servings of chunky chips and the largest piece of boneless fish you may encounter in China. Also has salads, tempura prawns and imported beer (including Hoegaarden and Abbots Ale) and wine. The Sanlitun branch draws a late night crowd, while the Nanluoguxiang branch serves brunch, salads, and pizza in addition to fish and chips. Available for catering and events. Sun-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am4am. Sanlitun Houjie (around the corner from Poachers Inn), Chaoyang District. (6415 0119) www.fishnation.cn/rest.htm 鱼邦, 朝阳 区三里屯后街（青年酒吧附近） The Swan With Two Necks The Swan With Two Necks embodies the spirit of what a pub should be, including draft beer, TVs and a pool table. Daily 11am-late. Pinnacle Plaza (adjacent to Jenny Lou’s), Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District.

(8046 7057) 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场

Cafes & Sandwiches The Bookworm English language books to borrow or buy. Book larvae can graze in the library’s Kiddies’ Corner, which houses child-size chairs and toys in addition to books. A family library membership (RMB 500) allows your family to borrow up to six books for two weeks at a time. A growing selection of for-sale books includes favorites like Wicked Chickens and The Gruffalo’s Child. In addition, The Bookworm’s Kids Club offers both young children and teens opportunities to share books with their peers. Daily 9am-2am. Courtyard 4, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6586 9507, books@beijingbookworm.com, kidsclub@ beijingbookworm.com) www.chinabookworm. com 书虫书吧, 朝阳区工体北路4号院 Colibri Cafe Nestled in the trendy entertainment destination alongside creative labels and high end boutiques, this Café offers more than 20 flavors of cupcakes (RMB 23), all handcrafted with fine ingredients and topped with soft butter cream, designed by award-winning San Francisco-based studio Eight Inc, who embodies the vibrant spirit of the Hummingbird to Colibri. Sandwiches and coffee would complement the colorful spread of mid-day snack. Daily 9am-10pm.

LG51, Sanlitun Village North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6417 0808) 蜂鸟, 朝阳区 三里屯路11号三里屯Village北区地下1层 Comptoirs de France 1) Daily 8.30am9pm. Stalls 1 & 2, 1/F, Silk Market (east side), 8 Xiushui Dongjie, Chaoyang District.

(5169 9298); 2) Daily 7am-8.30pm. Daily 7am-8.30pm. Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics Shop Number 1, Chaoyang District. (5927 7597); 3) Daily 7am-8.30pm.

(opening soon) Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics Shop Number 2, 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District.; 4) Daily 7am-8.30pm.

1/F, Bldg 5, Hairun International Apartment, 2B Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (5135 7645); 5) Daily 7am-8.30pm. 55-1, Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (6416 2853); 6) Daily 7am-8.30pm. 2/F Riviera Plaza, 5 Laiguangying Donglu, Chaoyang District.

(8470 2347); 7) Daily 7am-8.30pm. 1/F, East Lake Club, 35 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6461 1525); 8) Daily 7am-8.30pm. 4 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (8562 3355); 9) Daily 7am-8.30pm.

L-111, Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu Zhen, Shunyi District. (8046 6309); 10) Daily 7am-8.30pm. Rm 102, 1/F, Bldg 15, China Central Place, 89 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (6530 5480) www.comptoirsdefrance. com 法派, 1) 朝阳区秀水东街8号秀水大厦东区 一层1,2号; 2) 朝阳区将台路2号北京和睦家医 院店; 3) 朝阳区将台路2号北京和睦家医院2店; 4) 朝阳区将台路乙2号海润国际公寓商业5号楼 1层; 5) 朝阳区幸福村中路55-1号; 6) 朝阳区 来广营东路5号2楼东侧; 7) 东城区东直门外大 街35号东湖俱乐部1层; 8) 朝阳区日坛北路4号; 9) 顺义区裕翔路99号天竺镇欧陆广场L111室; 10) 朝阳区建国路89号华贸中心15号楼102 Deli de Luxe Deli de Luxe is a gourmet food store and cafe located near the west gate of Chaoyang Park. Starting from breakfast, the cafe serves coffee made with locally-roasted beans and fresh organic milk (perfect with fresh-baked buttery pastries).

Deli de Luxe offers a range of homemade cakes and sweets, healthy meals, and takehome goodies using fresh ingredients. The cafe also stocks delicatessen and antipasto items, fresh baguettes, wine, and more.

Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 8am-3pm.

Parkview Tower, 1 Jingyuan Xiaojie, Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6538 6278, delideluxechina@gmail.com) www. delideluxechina.com 朝阳区朝阳公园西路景园 小街1号景园大厦 Mrs Shanen’s Bagels This Shunyi staple run by a Chinese-American native of Brooklyn, New York offers Beijing’s best bagels (in a variety of flavors, including jalepeno cheddar, sesame and cinnamon raisin), as well as burgers, sandwiches(served on a choice of pita, ciabatta or bagels) salads, artisan pizza, cheeses, breads, cakes, cookies, ice cream and an extensive breakfast menu. Produce and other organic products from the owner’s other venue Green Cow Farm are also available. The venue also includes a large children’s playroom is equipped with toys, kid-sized chairs and tables and an entire Chinese kitchen in miniature. Sun-Thu 7.30am-8pm, Fri-Sat 7.30am-8.30pm. 5 Kaifa Jie, Xibaixinzhuang (next to Capital Paradise), Shunyi District.

(8046 4301) 单太太贝谷面包房, 顺义区西白辛 庄开发街5号 (紧邻名都园) 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 24hrs. 1/F, The Opposite House, Bldg 1, Sanlitun Village, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6410 5210, villagecafe@theoppositehouse.com) www. theoppositehouse.com 朝阳区三里屯路11号三 里屯Village1号楼瑜舍1层 Wagas Specializing in healthful offerings such as sandwiches, salads, wraps, and pastas, Wagas offers fresh, appetizing fare that’s sure to appeal to a wide audience.

Daily 8am-10.30pm. S833, Bldg 8, 3/F, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6416 5829) 沃歌斯, 朝阳 区三里屯路19号三里屯Village南区8号楼S8-33

Chinese Aimo Town Fangjia Hutong restaurant is full of ethnic minority accessories, with a long menu of Yunnan dishes geared towards

groups - a big wooden bucket of fried rice gratin (RMB 15) is the ideal starchy complement to tender suanla quanyu (RMB 42) – a whole fish in a sour and spicy sauce.

No meal should begin here without a dish of palate-cleansing boheye, crunchy mint leaves dressed in sesame oil (RMB 16).

Service is efficient. Daily 11am-10pm. Bldg G, 46 Fangjia Hutong (just south of Guozijian Jie), Dongcheng District. (6400 1725) 埃蒙 小镇, 东城区方家胡同46号艺术园区 (国子监 南临) G座 Bianyifang This “laozihao” (time-honored brand) restaurant, whose first branch is located in the historic Qianmen area, has been serving up some of the capital’s finest duck since 1855, and boasts its own special slow roast technique for more mouth watering results. 1) Xinxi Lu, Haidian District.; 2) Bldg 21, Anxiangli, Chaoyang District. (64856688); 3) 4/F Guorui Da Sha (Glory Plaza), Chongwen District.

(67112244); 4) 101 Fucheng Lu, Haidian District. (88146066); 5) Daily 11am-9.30pm.

3/F Building 2, New World Shopping Mall, 3 Chongwenmenwai Dajie, Chongwen District.

(6708 8680); 6) Daily 10.30am-10pm. 36 Xingfu Dajie, Chongwen District. (6711 6465); 7) Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-9pm.

4/F, Bldg 1, Dacheng International Center, 78 Dongsihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District.

(5962 6999); 8) Mon-Fri 10.30am-2pm, 4.309pm; Sat-Sun 10.30am-9pm. 6 Beisanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (8208 1019) www.bianyifang.com 便宜坊, 1) 海淀区信息 路; 2) 朝阳区安翔里甲21号楼; 3) 崇文区崇 外大街国瑞大厦4楼; 4) 海淀区阜成路101号; 5) 崇文区崇文门外大街3号新世界商场二期3 层; 6) 崇文区幸福大街36号; 7) 朝阳区东四环 中路78号大成国际中心1号楼4层; 8) 朝阳区北 三环中路6号 Ding Ding Xiang You’d be nuts to bring a toddler to a hot pot joint, but Ding Ding Xiang’s individual hot pots make it easy even for picky eaters to satisfy their own tastes.

And who doesn’t like playing with fire?

Let the flames begin! Voted “Outstanding Hot Pot” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. 1) Daily 11am-10pm.

2/F, Yuanjia International Apartments, Dongzhimenwai, Dongzhong Jie (opposite East Gate Plaza), Dongcheng District. (6417 9289); 2) 1/F West Tower, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (5900 3137/3079); 3) Daily 11.30am-11pm. 1/F, 14 Dongzhong Jie, Dongzhimenwai, Dongcheng District. (6417 2546); 4) Daily 11am-10pm. Bldg 7, Guoxing Jiayuan, Shouti Nanlu, Haidian District. (8835 7775/7779); 5) Daily 11am-10pm. 6/F, Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District.

(6530 5997/7172) www.dingdingxiang.com. cn 鼎鼎香, 1) 东城区东直门外东中街东环广场 对面元嘉国际公寓2层; 2) 朝阳区东大桥路8号 SOHO尚都西塔一层; 3) 东城区东直门外东中街 14号1层; 4) 海淀区首体南路国兴家园7号楼1-2 层; 5) 朝阳区建国路87号新光天地6楼 Jingzun Peking Duck Restaurant This urbane kaoya dian on Chunxiu Lu comes with traditional furniture, soigné presentation, and a tasteful jazz soundtrack (think Nina Simone, not Kenny G). On the menu are Beijing and Shandong specialties, including delicious soft “cloud ears” and sweet, crunchy peppers in a nose-tingling wasabi sauce. The reasonably priced duck (RMB 128) is skillfully carved and juicy, its skin crisp, the portion generous with a good meat-skin ratio - be wary of the pancakes are slightly stodgy, however.

Additional branches on Guanghua Lu and in Shuangjing just north of Fuli Cheng. Daily 11am-10pm. 1) 11 Section 2, Shuangjing Huayuan, Chaoyang District. (8751 6058); 2) 1/F Bldg 6, east intersection of Guanghua Lu (across from Winterless Center), Chaoyang District. (6595 6924); 3) Bldg 6, Taipingzhuang Nanli, Chunxiu Lu (north of Xingfucun Zhonglu), Chaoyang District. (6417 4075) 京尊烤鸭, 1) 朝阳区朝阳区双井双花园 南里二区11号; 2) 朝阳区朝阳区光华路东口6 号楼1楼; 3) 朝阳区朝阳区春秀路太平庄南里 6号楼北侧

Directories Dali Renjia It’s what restaurants taste like in Yunnan. It’s humble and cheap. Try their meaty jizong mushrooms fried with chilli (RMB 22), unfurled jasmine flowers with egg (RMB 18), and the hei sanduo (RMB 18) and the tilapia fish (RMB 36). No English menu (yet). Daily 10.30am-11pm. Baochao Hutong (100m north of Gulou Dongdajie), Dongcheng District. (8402 2479) 大理人家, 东城区东城区 宝钞胡同80号（鼓楼东大街往北走100米） Quanjude A name synonymous in Beijing with roast duck, Quan Ju De’s celebrated birds have passed through the mouths of visitors from Fidel Castro to Richard Nixon over the years. The original branch still serves duck by the tourist busload. Voted “Outstanding Beijing Duck” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Restaurant Awards. 1) 10.30am-9pm. 8 Guangqumenwai Dajie (west of Shuangjing Qiao), Chaoyang District. (5861 2288); 2) Daily 11am-2pm, 4.30-9pm. 9 Shuaifuyuan Hutong, Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6525 3310); 3) Daily 10.30am9pm. 1/F, Jingxin Dasha, 2A Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6466 0896); 4) Daily 11am-2pm, 4.30-8.30pm. Bldg 14, Qianmen Xidajie, Xuanwu District. (6302 3062); 5) Daily 11am-9pm. Tower 1-3, Bldg A, Tianchuang Shiyuan, 309 Huizhong Beili, Chaoyang District. (6480 1685/6) www. quanjude.com.cn 全聚德, 1) 朝阳区朝阳区广 渠门外大街8号(双井桥西南角); 2) 东城区王府 井大街帅府园胡同9号; 3) 朝阳区东三环北路甲 2号京信大厦1层; 4) 宣武区前门西大街14号楼; 5) 朝阳区慧忠北里309号天创世缘A座1-3楼 Yun’er Xiaozhen Daily 10am-2pm, 4.3011pm. 84 Beiluoguxiang, Dongcheng District.

(8404 2407) 云洱小镇, 东城区北锣鼓巷84号

German Paulaner Brauhaus This long-running restaurant is one of Beijing’s best choices for authentic, if pricey, Bavarian-style German food (think sausages and sauerkraut).

Located next to the Kempinski hotel, the venue features a 429-square-meter beer garden that can seat up to 290 and its own microbrewery that brews Paulaner’s own beer (including light and dark wheat beers), with prices ranging from RMB 46 for a small glass to RMB 114 for steins. Schnapps, liquers, digestifs and aperitifs are also served and a la carte items include pork knuckle and hog roast served on traditional cast iron pans, and a range of Bavarian snacks served on wooden boards. Daily lunch specials go for RMB 112 and includes dishes ranging from lamb shanks to Viennese chicken. Daily 11am-1am. Kempinski Hotel, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (6465 3388 ext 5732) www.paulaner-brauhaus.com/beijing/home 普拉那啤酒坊餐厅, 朝阳区亮马桥路50号凯宾 斯基饭店 Schindler’s Tankstelle A very traditional German restaurant, right in Ritan Park.

This casual, fun eatery will appeal to the whole family, with excellent service and exceptionally kid-friendly food. Highchairs are available, but we recommend sitting outside on long benches, Bavarian beer hall-style so it doesn’t matter how much food gets on the floor. As far as the menu is concerned, it’s sausages, sausages, sausages. There are many different types that are generally healthy, low-fat and imported. Parents claims the mashed potato is the best in Beijing.

Daily 10am-midnight. 15A Guanghua Lu (200m east of Ritan Park South Gate), Chaoyang District. (8562 6439) 申德勒德加油 站, 朝阳区光华路甲15号(日坛南门往东200米) Zeit Berlin Zeit Belin has an attractive menu complicated by an obscure address on the first floor of an unremarkable hotel.

The owners are Chinese natives who lived in Berlin since the early 1970s and now intend to bring Berlin specialties into their German restaurant. Daily 11am-10pm. 1/F Royal Palace Hotel, 6 Xiaoyunli, Chaoyang District.

(6461 8842) 朝阳区霄云里6号诚宝饭店

Greek Argo Situated in a beautifully restored courtyard building, this Greek restaurant represents another stride in Wudaoying Hutong’s quest to become the next Nanluogu Xiang. Try authentic sharing platters of baba ghanoush, tzatziki and hummus, huge moussaka portions and a large selection of grilled meats and fish, all cooked by a genuine Greek chef. Daily 11.30am-11pm.

59 Wudaoying Hutong (100 meters west of Vineyard Café), Dongcheng District. (8403 9748) 东城区五道营胡同59号 Athena Daily 11am-11pm. 1 Sanlitun Xiwujie, Chaoyang District. (6464 6036) 雅典 娜希腊餐厅, 朝阳区三里屯西五街1号

Indian Mirch Masala Serves Indian cuisines ranging from the “exotic Mughlai” to those of the north and eastern regions of the subcontinent. Choose from kebabs, mango lassi, butter chicken, aloo paratha, tandoori grill, Rajasthan hukkas, desserts and more.

Vegetarian and vegan friendly options are available and the bar serves a selection of “bollywood cocktails.” Daily 11am-10.30pm.

Ritan Highlife, North Gate of Ritan Park, (near the North Korea Embassy)., Chaoyang District. (8563 6304, mirchmasalabj@gmail. com) www.mirchmasalachina.com 马沙拉之 香, 朝阳区朝阳区神路街39号院日坛公园北门日 坛上街2号楼130号 Santoor Daily 11am-2.30pm, 5pm-11pm. 12 Ju’er Hutong, Nanluogu Xiang, Dongcheng District. (6402 0310) 萨都里, 东城区南锣鼓 巷菊儿胡同12号 The Taj Pavilion This is a great place for a family meal and would make for a wild birthday experience for teens – a visit to the Cosmic Bowling Alley next door followed by a classic Indian meal. Lille kids Kids unfamiliar with Indian cuisine might find certain dishes a bit too exotic, though many dishes can be prepared with less fiery spice. Try the Chicken tikka, tandoori gobi (cauliflower kebabs), or dal palak (yellow lentils cooked with spinach).

As a side note, the bathrooms are located outside the restaurant in the hallway. Voted “Outstanding Indian” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. Daily 11.30am2.30pm, 6-10.30pm. 1) F2-03, 2/F, North Tower, China Overseas Plaza, 8 Guanghua Dong Li, Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6505 5866); 2) 3/F, Holiday Inn Lido, Jiangtai Lu, Shoudu Jichang Lu, Chaoyang District. (6436 7678, 6437 6688 ext 3811); 3) L222, Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu Zhen, Shunyi District. (8046 3238) www.thetajpavilion.com 泰姬楼印度餐厅, 1) 朝阳区建国门外大街光华东里8号中海广场北楼2 层F2-03; 2) 朝阳区首都机场路将台路丽都假日 酒店广场缤纷廊3层; 3) 顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99 号欧陆时尚购物中心L222室

Italian Mercante This cozy hutong restaurant offers good and comforting Italian cuisine. TueSun 6-10.30pm. 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng District. (8402 5098, mercante. home.cuisine@gmail.com) 东城区方砖厂胡 同4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. Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30pm-10pm. 1) Unit N4-30, 3/F, Sanlitun Village North, 11 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District. (6415 2112); 2) 902 Pinnacle Plaza, Jingshun Lu, Shunyi District. (8046 5112) 尚水长廊铁板烧餐厅, 1) 朝阳区三里屯路11号院（Village北区）能号

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Directories 楼三层N4-30单元; 2) 顺义区天竺镇开发区荣 祥广场902 Hatsune Reservations recommended at this American-style Japanese joint with a hip, minimalist decor. Standouts include the multitextured butterfly roll, as well as the popular “Motorola,” drizzled with wasabi mayonnaise.

Weekday lunch bento box set meals are a fine deal at RMB 75. Voted “Best Japanese” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. Daily 11.30am-2pm, 5.30-10pm.

1) 2/F, Heqiao Bldg C, 8A Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6581 3939); 2) S8-30 (opposite Element Fresh), Bldg 8, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6415 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 Matsuko Serving up one of Beijing’s best known buffets since 1992, this chain of Japanese restaurant feeds hungry white collar types with its bountiful spread of sushi, sashimi, noodles and more. The daily lunch buffet (RMB 98, Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm, RMB 108 Sat-Sun 11am-2.30pm) features over 60 kinds of dishes, ranging from eel with teriyaki sauce and tempura shrimp to sushi rolls and desserts. Children under 110 cm eat for free.

Be forewarned that the different branches charge different prices for the buffet. Voted “Outstanding Japanese” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm,5-10.30pm, Sat-Sun 11am2.30pm, 5-10.30pm. 1) 78 Anli Lu (Subway Line 5 Datun Lu East Station), Haidian District. (5963 6663, li_juan1997@sina. com); 2) 1/F, 8 Nanxinyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District. (8731 9890, li_juan1997@sina.com); 3) 2/F, Jinglong Dasha, 225 Chaoyang Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6509 8999, li_juan1997@ sina.com); 4) Baijiazhuang (south east corner of Changhong Qiao), Chaoyang District.

(6582 5208, li_juan1997@sina.com); 5) 39 Liangmaqiao Lu (opposite 21st Century hotel), Chaoyang District. (8453 4062, li_juan1997@sina.com) http://www.matsuko. com.cn/e_index_hoawei.asp 松子, 1) 海淀区 安立路78号（5号线大屯地铁站东）; 2) 朝阳区 南新园西路8号龙头公寓南栋一层; 3) 朝阳区 朝阳北路225号京龙大厦2层; 4) 朝阳区星期五 餐厅对面松阪屋; 5) 朝阳区亮马桥39号（21世 纪饭店对面）

3:00pm / 5:00pm - 10:30pm, Sat - Sun 11:30am - 10:30pm. 128-1 Xiang’er Hutong, Dongcheng District. (5741 5753) www. saveursdecoree.com.cn 韩香馆, 东城区香饵 胡同128-1号

Middle Eastern 1001 Nights Sanlitun-area restaurant serving some of the best Middle Eastern food in Beijing -- falafel, tabouleh, hummus and kebabs. Nightly belly dancing. The Solana Mall branch has a daily lunch buffet for RMB 68. Voted “Outstanding Middle Eastern” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards.

1) 11am-midnight. North side of Solana Mall, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District.

(5905 6316/7/8); 2) Daily 11am-2am. Gongti Beilu (opposite Zhaolong Hotel), Chaoyang District. (6532 4050) www.1001nights.cn 1001 夜, 1) 朝阳区朝阳区朝阳公园路6号SOLANA内; 2) 朝阳区工体北路兆龙饭店对面 Alameen This unassuming but welcoming Middle Eastern haven behind the German embassy is owned and managed by a Palestinian/Lebanese pair. Arabic staples like hummus and baba ghanoush (both RMB 20) are good, and the kibbeh (RMB 25 – fried croquettes stuffed with minced beef) is absolutely delightful. These appetizers are quite filling, so nibble strategically if you plan to take on the whole stuffed lamb (RMB 1,100; order 12 hours ahead). Customers here tend to stick around after meals chatting and sipping coffee, which fosters a warm atmosphere, especially convivial with the sweet smell of hookah smoke (RMB 40) wafting through the dining room. Daily 9ammidnight. 2 Sanlitun Xiwu Lu, Chaoyang District. (8451 7489) 朝阳区朝阳区三里屯西 五街西2号 Dini’s Kosher Restaurant Sun-Thu 11am-10pm (available for private functions Saturday nights). Inside Bet Yaakov Chabad Community Center, 9-12 Fangyuan Xilu (near south gate of Si’de Park), Chaoyang District.

(139 1074 0109) www.kosherbeijing.com 蒂 妮犹太餐厅, 朝阳区芳园西路9-12号（四得公 园南门）

Russian

Korean Aijiang Shan This upscale Korean barbecue and seafood restaurant in the Lido area proves that char-grilling and composure can go together. Choose from octopus, sashimi and various cuts of beef. 1) Daily 11am10pm. 2 Zhengfusi Lu, Haidian District. (5190 6655, 5272 1020); 2) Daily 11am-10pm.

North Gate of Si’de Park, 39 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang District. (8456 9511); 3) Daily 11am-10pm, Sat & Sun until 9:30pm. 5/F, LG Twin Towers (East Tower), 12 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (5109 6036/6037) 爱江山, 1) 海淀区正福寺2号; 2) 朝阳区将台 西路四德公园北门; 3) 朝阳区建国门外大街乙 12号双子座大厦东塔5层 Iki Barbecue Situated next to Bang Bang Pizza, this contemporary Korean barbecue offers tasty fare and great cocktails. 1) Daily 6-11pm. 111, Bldg. 3, China View, Gongti Donglu, Chaoyang District. (152 1006 4588); 2) 6pm-1am. 102 Bldg 24, Shuanghuayuan Nanli Sanqu, Chaoyang District. (152 1042 5223) 1) 朝阳区中国红街大厦三号楼111号; 2) 朝阳区双花园南里三区24号楼102号 Saveurs de Corée Originally located on Nanluogu Xiang, this sophisticated Xiang’er Hutong restaurant is a longstanding tourist favourite. Relax on a a pod-shaped stool and grill up a storm with carefully-sourced, free-range Dalian Wagyu. The portions are on the petite side, but flavors are fine - budgetconscious diners can opt for their lunch offerings. Highlights include their organic bibimbap and their toothsome shin ramyun - chilli-spiced noodle soup with prawn, clam and squid. Winner of “Best Korean” in our 2011 Restaurant Awards. Mon - Fri 11:30am-

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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. Most entrees range from RMB 45-100, while appetizers and salads are in the 20-60 RMB range. The restaurant caters to families with a smoke-free environment and kids’ playroom with toys.

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） The Elephant Good Russian food, especially the appetizers, like stuffed mushroom caps. The floorshow is akin to Eastern Bloc Lakers’ girls wriggling out to Shakira. Voted “Outstanding Russian” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Restaurant Awards.

1) Daily noon-midnight. Ritan Shangjie, Courtyard 39, Shenlu Jie, Chaoyang District.

(8561 4013); 2) Noon-2am. A93 Toutiao, Chaoyangmenwai, Chaoyang District. (8561 4073); 3) Noon-2am. (Absent Branch) B1/F, Huasheng International Building, 12 Yabao Lu,, Chaoyang District. (5120 6538) www. bjelephant.com/home/index.aspx 大笨象, 1) 朝阳区神路街39号院日坛上街近日坛北路; 2) 朝阳区朝外头条甲93号日坛公园北门的附近; 3) 朝阳区化生国际大厦，押宝路12号 Traktirr Pushkin Pick the right time (lunch, early dinner) and you’ll understand why so many Russian families are loyal patrons. Who can argue with hearty portions of well-priced kid-friendly fare like chicken Kiev, steaks, pork schnitzel and mashed potatoes? Thanks to the heavy mayo application, even the salads make it down most kids’ throats. Voted “Best Russian” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. 1) 10am-midnight.

1A Xiyangguan Hutong, Beizhongjie, Dongzhimennei Dajie, Dongcheng District.

(6403 1690); 2) Daily 10am-midnight. 5-15 Dongzhimennei Dajie, Dongcheng District.

(8407 8158, 6403 1896) 彼得堡俄餐厅, 1) 东 城区东直门内大街北中街西羊管胡同甲1号; 2) 东城区东直门内大街5-15号

Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic As a satellite clinic of renowned Beijing New Century International Children’s Hospital, Beijing New Century Harmony Pediatric Clinic has a strong team of experienced pediatricians and nurses from China and overseas. Multilingual services are offered on a 24hr basis, consultations 9am-9pm.

Harmony Business Center, Liyuan Street, Tianzhu Zhen, Shunyi District. (6456 2599) www.ncich.com.cn 北京新世纪荣和儿科门诊 部, 顺义区天竺镇丽苑街荣和商业中心 Beijing New Century International Children’s Hospital (NCICH) This hospital provides affordable pediatric care at international standards: qualified doctors and nurses, private and safe family rooms and imported equipment. English speaking staff offers a full range of children’s health care services on a 7/24 basis. Mon-Sun 8am-5pm.

56 Nanlishi Lu (next to the East Gate of the Beijing Children’s Hospital), Xicheng District.

(6802 5588) www.ncich.com.cn 北京新世纪 国际儿童医院, 西城区南礼士路56号 (北京儿童 医院东门南侧)

Southeast Asian Le Little Saigon Cute colonial-style FrenchVietnamese bistro with a beautiful rooftop in the midst of Gulou hutongs. Weekday set lunch for RMB 59/69 from 11.30am1.30pm. Voted “Outstanding Vietnamese” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Restaurant Awards.

Daily 11.30-midnight. 141 Jiugulou Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6401 8465) 西贡在巴黎, 东城区旧鼓楼大街141号 Muse Parisian Vietnamese Brasserie Starkly decorated in red, black and white and oddly resembling an American diner circa 1950s, this modish eatery offers Indochine eats that purportedly contain some Gallic influence, including pho (RMB 42 for a large bowl of “Train Lights”), spring rolls, soups, desserts and coffees of both Vietnamese and French persuasion. The Tongli branch is in a prime loaction for foot traffic and has virtually the same menu as the Chaoyang Park branch. Voted “Best Vietnamese” in the Beijinger’s 2011 RestaurantAwards. 1) Daily 10am-10pm. 3/F, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8426 0426); 2) Daily 10am-10pm. Shop 6, 7/F, Chaoyang Joy City, 101 Chaoyang Road, Chaoyang District.

(8551 8985); 3) Daily 10am-10pm. 4/F, U-Town Shopping Center, 2 Sanfeng Beili, Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District.

(5977 5861); 4) Daily 11am-11pm. 1/F, Tongli Studios, 43 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District.

(6415 6388); 5) 11am-11pm. Chaoyang Gongyuan West Gate, 1 Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6586 3188) 妙巴黎越南小 吃, 1) 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号颐堤港3层; 2) 朝 阳区朝阳路101号朝阳大悦城7层06号店铺; 3) 朝阳区三丰北里2号楼悠唐广场4层; 4) 朝阳区 三里屯路43号同里1层; 5) 朝阳区农展南路一 号，朝阳公园西门

Family Health Clinics & Hospitals Beijing United Family Hospital Rehabilitation Hopsital Beijing United Family Hospital’s newest facility offers everything from physical and occupational therapy to pediatric, neurological, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation and TCM in a state-of-the-art facility featuring hydrotherapy facilities, an ICU, individual therapy rooms, hyperbaric and atmospheric oxygen chambers and an international team of specialists. 24 Hours. 1 Yaojiayuan Bei Erlu (South gate of Dongfeng Park, northwest corner of Yaojiayuan North 2nd Road and Qingnian North Road intersection), Chaoyang District.

(8558 1800, bju.rehab@ufh.com.cn) http:// beijing.ufh.com.cn/en/locations/rehabilitationhospital/ 北京和睦家康复医院, 朝阳区朝阳区 姚家园北二路1号（姚家园北二路与青年北路交 叉口西北角，东风公园南门）

Beijing New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital (NCWCH) With stateof-the-art park side facility, New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital (NCWCH) is established to operate with international standards. Backed by strong ties to Beijing Children’s Hospital and Beijing Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, the experienced and friendly medical staff of NCWCH provide fi¬rst-class gynecology, obstetrics, pediatric, NICU and urgent care services for women and children (0-18 years old). 51 Wangjing Beilu (Wanghu Park south gate), Chaoyang District. (5178 3366) www.ncich.com.cn 北京 新世纪妇儿医院, 朝阳区朝阳区望京北路51号院 （望湖公园东门南） Beijing Puhua International Clinic Beijing Puhua International Clinic’s unique services include orthopedic and trauma surgery conforming to European standards. They also offer physical rehabilitation, an eye clinic with certified US ophthalmologist, a chiropractic clinic, comprehensive family medical services, a Western-style pharmacy, and emergency services. The clinic offers services in English, Chinese, Arabic, Russian, Filipino, Amharic, and Taiwanese. Conveniently located in Jinsong, the center has free parking available for customers. Mon-Sun 9am-6pm. 54 Wusheng Beilu, Dongsanhuan, Chaoyang District. (8773 5522, 5245 2585 (24hr hotline)) www.puhuaclinic.com 北京普华门诊, 朝阳区东三环武圣北路54号 Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) offers international-standard care to thousands of Beijing’s expatriate and Chinese families. BJU features an international team of doctors from more than 20 countries and since 2005, it has been consistently reaccredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Since 1997, BJU’s multilingual staff has provided professional expertise with heartfelt care. The hospital and clinics offer a full range of medical services. In addition to departments of family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and dentistry, BJU has attracted top medical professionals

Directories in cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, dermatology, psychological health, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, integrative medicine, ophthalmology and ENT. Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm. 24-hour emergency care. 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (5927 7000, 5927 7120 (ER ), fax 5927 7200) www.ufh.com.cn 北京和睦家医院, 朝阳区将 台路2号

区朝阳门外大街6号万通中心AB座2层3017室

Beijing United Family Rehabilitation Hospital Daily 24hrs. 1 Yaojiayuan Bei’er Lu, Chaoyang District. (8558 1800) www.ufh. com.cn 北京和睦家康复医院, 朝阳区姚家园 北二路1号

United Family Jianguomen Health and Wellness Center United Family Jianguomen Health and Wellness Center is a satellite clinic of BJU located in the St. Regis complex in the heart of Beijing’s Central Business District.

The clinic makes high-quality healthcare accessible to CBD residents and employees. It offers integrative medicine, family counseling services, and provides health checkups for immigration purposes. Mon-Fri 8.30am12pm,1pm-3.30pm. B1/F, The St. Regis Residence, St. Regis Hotel, 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (8532 1221; 8532 1678 (immigration clinic)) www.ufh.com.cn 和睦家建国门保健中心, 朝阳区建国门外大街21 号北京国际俱乐部饭店公寓楼地下1层

OASIS International Hospital OASIS is a full-service private hospital. Their international medical team provides patientcentered care in a modern facility designed for comfort, safety and privacy. OASIS offers attentive service in a soothing environment and expert medicine backed by leading technology, including the most advanced MRI and CT scans available from a private hospital in China. The hospital currently provides services in family medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, general surgery, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and dentistry. Direct billing is available for many insurance providers. Daily 24hrs (emergency care), Mon-Fri 9am- 6pm, Sun 8.30-12.30am.

9 Jiuxianqiao Beilu, Chaoyang District, Chaoyang District. (400 UR OASIS (876 2747)) www.oasishealth.cn 明德医院, 朝阳区 酒仙桥北路9号 United Family CBD Clinic The United Family CBD Clinic is United Family Healthcare’s (UFH’s) sixth satellite clinic in Beijing and will be staffed by bilingual doctors and nurses who are committed to providing the high-quality, international-standard care unique to United Family. Mon-Sat 9.30am6.30pm. Suite 3017, Bldg AB, Vantone Center, 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (5907 1266) www.ufh.com.cn 和睦家朝外诊所, 朝阳

United Family Home Health Daily 8:30am5:00pm. New Hope Oncology Center, 2/FNo. 9-11 Jiangtai W. RdNear Fangyuan W.Rd, Chaoyang District. (5927 7333, homehealth@ ufh.com.cn) homehealth.ufh.com.cn 和睦家家 庭医疗, 朝阳区和睦家家庭医疗和睦家启望肿瘤 中心二层地点：丽都将台西路9-11号近芳园西路

United Family Liangma Clinic United Family Liangma Clinic serves Beijing’s diplomatic area, providing internationallyaccredited Family Medicine services. A multinational clinic staff of experienced doctors and bilingual nurses will ensure that you and your family receive the highest quality medical care available. Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm. 2/F, Grand Summit, 19 Dongfang Donglu, Chaoyang District. (5927 7005) www.ufh.com.cn 和睦家亮马诊所, 朝阳 区东方东路19号1号楼会所27号（外交人员公寓 B区官舍16号） United Family New Hope Center The United Family New Hope Center offers a unique new concept in international-standard cancer treatment. New Hope’s goal is to provide patients with the most up-to-date treatment options from a multidisciplinary team of oncologists, specialist physicians, and

healthcare professionals. Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

9-11 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang District. (5927 7008) www.ufh.com.cn 和睦家启望中心, 朝阳 区朝阳区将台西路9－11 United Family Shunyi Clinic United Family Shunyi Clinic serves Beijing’s suburban area and international school district with internationally-accredited family medicine, pediatrics, rehabilitation (physical therapy), psychological counseling, Traditional Chinese Medicine, laboratory, and pharmacy services.

A multinational clinic staff of experienced doctors and bilingual nurses will ensure that you and your family receive the highest quality medical care available. The Shunyi Clinic is a satellite facility of BJU. Like other BJU satellite facilities, the Shunyi Clinic strictly adheres to Joint Commission International (JCI) and international infection control standards. Mon-Thu 9.30am-7.30pm, Fri-Sun 9.30am-4.30pm. Unit 806, Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District. (8046 5432, fax 8046 4383) www.ufh.com.cn 和睦家顺义诊所, 顺义区天竺 开发区荣祥广场806号

Dentists Beijing United Family Hospital Dental Clinic Provides comprehensive dental services for families, including cleaning, crown and bridges, dental implants, fillings, tooth whitening and more. 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (5927 7058) www.ufh. com.cn 北京和睦家医院牙科, 朝阳区将台路2号 United Family Shunyi Dental Clinic United Family Shunyi Dental Clinic is located in Pinnacle Plaza, just around the corner from the United Family Shunyi Clinic. A multinational clinic staff of experienced doctors and bilingual nurses will ensure that you and your family receive the highest quality dental care available. Like other BJU satellite facilities, the Shunyi Dental Clinic strictly adheres to Joint Commission

International (JCI) standards, which enables the Shunyi Dental Clinic to be officially recognized as an international-standard dental clinic. Mon-Thu 9am-7.20pm, Fri-Sat 9am-5.30pm. 818 Pinnacle Plaza, Tianzhu Real Estate Development Zone, Shunyi District. (8046 1102) www.ufh.com.cn 和睦家 顺义牙科诊所, 顺义区天竺开发区荣祥广场818

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 CHI CHI, The Spa at China World Summit Wing, Beijing is the highest spa retreat in the city, located on Level 77. Experience the Amber Charm Facial or Asian therapies like Chi Balance and Hilot Massage. The CHI Gallery features an exclusive range of skincare products and special spa gifts.

Daily 10am-12.30pm. 77/F, China World Summit Wing Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6505 2299 ext 6666, cwsw@shangri-la.com) http:// www.shangri-la.com/en/property/beijing/ chinaworldsummitwing/health/chispa/intro 氣, 朝阳区朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸大酒 店77层 GREEN T. HOUSE Living Daily 11.30am11.30pm. 318 Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District. (8456 4922 ext 8, 136 0113 7132, 136 0113 7232) 紫云轩 茶事, 朝阳区崔各庄乡合各庄村318号 Ruby’s Massage This massage parlor offers foot massages, Chinese traditional medicinal massages, facials and more. At-home service also available. 2070 Gahood Villa, Shunyi

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Directories District. (8046 1498, rubymassage@163.com) 顺义区嘉浩别墅2070栋（名都园对面） Shunjing Spa Hotel Daily 24 hours. 2 Beisihuan Donglu (oppposite Ikea), Chaoyang District. (5827 1888, 5865 3888) 顺景温泉酒 店, 朝阳区北四环东路2号(宜家家居斜对面)

Family Life Domestic Help Beijing Ayi Service Company Beijing Ayi Service Company provides experienced and professional ayis, drivers and western chefs for expatriate families. Western cooking lessons are also available. (6040 9096, 136 4113 7690 (24 hours), service@ beijingayiservice.com) www.beijingayiservice. com Century Sunshine Domestic Services Provides both hourly and live-in ayis; different ayis can provide different services. Englishspeaking ayis are available, although for a higher price. Price range: RMB 10-15 per hour (RMB 7-8 per hour with a yearly RMB 120 membership); live-in RMB 500-4,000 per month. (6845 4005/6871 5549, 133 6627 3898) www.365service.com.cn 北京世纪阳光 家政服务有限公司 Easy Life-Maid service Professional, reliable English speaking ayis (maids) available for full- or part-time work: housecleaning, babysitting, ironing, Chinese and Western cooking. Customer satisfaction guaranteed. Rm 1301, Bldg 5-2, Huacai International, Wangjing, Chaoyang District.

(138 1122 7395, info@maidservicebj.com) www.maidservicebj.com 北京好生活家政服务 有限公司. 朝阳区望京华彩国际公寓5-2-1301

Supermarkets Jenny Lou’s These Western grocery stores have, along with the usual staples, fresh meat and cheese, unusual pasta shapes, unsweetened yogurt, fresh herbs … we could go on and on. 1) Daily 8.30am-9pm.

Pinnacle Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District. (8046 2500); 2) 8am-10pm.

101, Bldg 17, Central Park International Apartments, Chaoyang District. (6533 6792); 3) Daily 8am-10pm. Laiguangying Donglu (opposite Heping Hospital), Chaoyang District.

(8470 1557); 4) Daily 8am-10pm. Bldg 4, Jianwai Soho, 39 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (5869 2253); 5) Daily 8am-9pm. Inside East Lake Villa Clubhouse, Chaoyang District. (6467 8018); 6) Daily 8am-midnight. 4 Ritan Beilu (opposite to Fancaodi Primary School), Chaoyang District.

(8563 0626); 7) Daily 8am-10pm. 6 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District. (6461 6928); 8) Daily 8am-midnight. South of Chaoyang Park’s West Gate, Chaoyang District. (6501 6249) www.jennylou.com.cn 婕妮璐, 1) 顺义 区荣祥广场,天竺开发区裕翔路99号; 2) 朝阳区 新城国际17号楼101; 3) 朝阳区来广营东路和平 医院对面; 4) 朝阳区东三环中路39号建外Soho4 号楼; 5) 朝阳区东湖别墅会所里; 6) 朝阳区日 坛北路4号（芳草地小学对面）; 7) 朝阳区三里 屯北小街6号; 8) 朝阳区朝阳公园西门南侧 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

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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）

Veterinarians 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 and Resorts Fairmont Beijing Hotel Fairmont Beijing is a luxury hotel located in the heart of the CBD. The hotel is surrounded by Fortune 500 companies and the city’s premier office towers, including LG Twin Tower, SK Group Tower, Beijing Yintai Centre and China World Trade Centre. Daily 24hrs. 8 Yong’an Dongli, Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District.

(8511 7777, beijing@fairmont.com) http:// www.fairmont.com/beijing/ 北京华彬费尔蒙酒 店, 朝阳区建国门外大街永安东里8号 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 InterContinental Beijing Beichen Recognized as the only award-winning international luxury hotel in the northern part of Beijing, InterContinental Beijing Beichen is connected to the China National Convention Center (CNCC), one of Asia’s largest convention centers. The hotel stands out for its scenic location next to the National Stadium and the Water Cube, with easy access to Beijing International Capital Airport, the Great Wall, historical sightseeing spots, and major business centers. Bldg 4, 8 Beichen Xilu, Chaoyang District. www. intercontinental.com/bjbeichen 北京北辰洲际 酒店, 朝阳区朝阳区北辰西路8号院4号楼 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 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.shangrila.com 北京嘉里大饭店, 朝阳区光华路1号 Marriott Executive Apartments Beijing Palm Springs Choose from 1,2, and 3-bedroom serviced apartments with stunning views of the estate garden, Chaoyang Park and the city skyline.Apartments are ideal for short or extended stay. Features on-site shopping center, weekly housekeeping and restaurants. Members-only club featuring whirlpool with natural hot springs, sauna, indoor 55m swimming pool and 24-hour fitness center. 8 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. 朝阳区朝阳区朝阳公园 南路8号 Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street Another top-range hotel on Beijing’s “Wall Street.” With a striking glass and chrome exterior, the hotel boasts 253 guest rooms appointed with flat screen TVs, cordless phones and high-speed Internet and fax connections. The hotel features three restaurants (including the award-winning Cepe) and a lounge and bar serving Chinese, Italian and all-day cuisines. RMB 1,50048,000. 1 Jinchengfang Dongjie, Financial Street, Xicheng District, Xicheng District.

(6601 6666) www.ritzcarlton.com 北京丽嘉饭 店, 西城区金融街金城坊东街1号 The St. Regis Beijing With more marble than an Italian quarry and more wood than an old growth forest, the St. Regis is one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. At any hour round the clock, guests can summon their personal butler or a professional masseur; to fight jetlag, there is always the gorgeous pool, spa or putting green.

The restaurants, notably the Astor Grill, will sat-isfy discriminating palates, and the buzz around town is that the bartender whips up a mean tequila Bloody Mary at the Press Club Bar. RMB 1,750-51,170. 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6460 6688) www. stregis.com/beijing 北京瑞吉酒店, 朝阳区建 国门外大街21号 The Westin Beijing Chaoyang Fantastic location and first class amenities make the Westin Chaoyang one of Beijing’s premiere luxury hotels. All 550 guest rooms and suites are oversized and feature quality contemporary furnishings including the signature Heavenly Bed® and rainforest shower as well as wireless High Speed Internet Access. The Westin Executive Club Floor guest rooms and suites provide the ultimate comfort and convenience.The Heavenly Spa by Westin™ offers a range of treatments for the renewal of the body, soul, and mind. Facilities include an indoor pool, hydrotherapy centre, and WestinWORKOUT® gym. The business centre, located on Level 3, provides secretarial and business support while the gift shop features a selection of premium souvenirs and gift items.Find a journey of culinary delights and moments to savor in our restaurants, bars, and lounges as you enjoy offerings from China, Europe, and Asia. With a total of 1,100 square meters of function space, our hotel has the capacity to accommodate events of various sizes. The Jinmao Ballroom and seven meeting rooms feature the latest in audiovisual technology and five-star service. 7 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (5922 8888) 金茂北京威斯

汀大饭店, 朝阳区东三环北路7号 V- Continent Beijing Parkview Wuzhou Hotel V-Continent Beijing Parkview Wuzhou Hotel is conveniently located in north Beijing, within walking distance of the city’s Olympic Green park and National Stadium – The Bird’s Nest. The hotel is only a short ten-minute drive from both Shangdi Hi-tech Zone and Zhongguancun electronics center, and is just 25 minutes from Beijing Capital International Airport. The hotel’s 472 well-designed guest rooms all feature the very best in accommodation, along with plenty of room to relax. The hotel offers nine multi-function meeting rooms and a spacious ballroom, seating anywhere from 10 - 1,100 guests in a variety of configurations. The V Ballroom is one of the largest natural light, pillar-free ballrooms in Beijing. Six restaurants and bars provide both local and international guests with a cosmopolitan dining experience. Yue Feng Ge Chinese Restaurant presents classic Cantonese cuisine along hint of Beijing flavors. The chefs at Brazilian Churrascos will stimulate your taste buds with a variety of delicious meats and sausages, carved at your tableside. Café Asia offers an extensive international buffet with a touch of Asian mystique. Jade Hot Pot is a freestanding Hong Kong-style restaurant set within the surroundings of the hotel’s attractive park grounds.The hotel also provides an array of health-oriented leisure options, including a fully-equipped gym, heated indoor swimming pool and beauty salon. 8 Beisihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (8498 2288, reservation@v-continent.com) www.vcontinent.com 五洲皇冠国际酒店, 朝阳区北 四环中路8号

Travel Agencies Planet Travel Planet Travel provides quality service for leisure family holidays and business trips at reasonable prices. Rm 2090, Bldg 5, Shoukaibojun, Yard 8, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District. (6409 4255, info@ planettravel.cn) www.planettravel.cn 星球旅 行社, 朝阳区新东路8号院首开铂郡5号楼2090 Sunflower Travel 22D, Bldg B, Ginza Mall, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie(8447 6361, tours@sunflowertravel-cn.com. www. sunflowertravel-cn.com, Dongcheng District.

(8447 6361) 东城区东直门外大街48号东方银 座B座22D)

Fun Stuff Art Schools ArtBug Singaporean art center ArtBug aims to make art accessible for everyone, with programs catering to children from ages 2-12. ArtBug focuses on nurturing a child’s creativity, communication skills, and self-confidence through the arts. The center offers courses in a wide variety of subjects, including drawing, sculpture, photography, speech and drama, and performance arts.

1) Rm 102, Unit 4, Bldg 3, Upper East Side, Chaoyang District. (5947 2275); 2) Rm 753, Tower A, Chaowai SOHO (north of Central Park), 6 Chaowai Dajie, Chaoyang District.

(5900 0270) www.artbug.com.cn 1) 朝阳区 阳光上东3号楼4单元102; 2) 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） Atelier 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 区朝阳区幸福村中路锦绣园C楼202室

Concert Hall & Theaters Chang’an Grand Theater 7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Dongcheng District. (6510 1309/1310) www.changantheater.com 长安大戏院, 东城 区建国门内大街7号 China Children’s Art Theater Situated 1,500 meters northwest of Dongdan Station,

Directories this four-story playhouse presents plays and musicals for children in Chinese all year long.

Every weekend, the Holiday Classic Theatre Hall on the fourth floor puts on plays starting at 10am, and performers even talk to the audience after each play. Performances include the Chinese classic Ma Lan Hua, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and A Journey With Hans Christian Andersen, among others.

The Ma Lan Hua Art School that connects to the theater offers acting, recitation and dance classes for kids ages 5-12. Daily 9am-9pm.

64 Donganmen Dajie, west of Wangfujing, Dongcheng District. (6521 1425) www.ccat. name 中国儿童艺术剧场, 东城区东安门大 街64号 National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA) Adjacent to the monolithic Great Hall of the People, French architect Paul Andreu’s space-age conception attracted a fair amount of criticismfor its cost (RMB 490,000 a seat) and dust-gathering capabilities (maintenance of the glass dome and surrounding moat is said to run up to hundreds of thousands of RMB daily). Since its opening in December 2007 though, praise for the stunning design, particularly beautiful at sunset, and the superb in-house acoustics has drowned out these criticisms. Continuing the trend of giving monikers to new monuments, the NCPA has been dubbed the ‘Egg’. Entrance to the three performance venues housed under the dome is via a passageway running under the moat, and the vast central atrium features stones from every region in China.

Presently, attracting a string of world-class performers appears to be less of a problem than finding the appreciative local audiences that this venue deserves. 2 Chang’an Jie, Xicheng District. (6655 0000) www.chncpa. org 国家大剧院, 西城区西长安街2号 Poly Theatre Holds music performances all year round. Poly Plaza, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng District. (6500 1188 ext 5126/5127) www.polytheatre.com 保利剧院, 东城区东直门南大街14号保利大厦1层

Play Centers Kerry Adventure Zone The Kerry Hotel’s new play center features top-of-the-line vertical drop slides, swinging ropes, ball pools, a tree house, tiny town and birthday party theme areas. RMB 5,000 for half-year memberships and RMB 7,500 for a full year.

Mon-Fri 10am-9pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm.

3/F, in the Kerry Sports Center, Kerry Hotel, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6561 3388) http://www.beijingkerrycentre.com/ adventure_zone.html 朝阳区朝阳区光华路1号 北京嘉里中心饭店3层 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

Schools Educational Services Dragon Show Dragon ShowFounded in 2004, Beijing Dragon Show Culture and Arts Exchange Co. Ltd. designs culture-related school assembly programs, educational trips, and extracurricular activities for international schools. E-805/806 Shang8 Culture Zone, Gaobeidian, Chaoyang District.

(65447057/58, info@dragonshow.com) www. dragonshow.com 朝阳区高碑店陈家林甲2号尚 巴里文创园E座805-806 University of Maryland EMBA In 2013, this fully-accredited American post-graduate program was ranked the 13th best executive

MBA program in the US and the fourth bestrated faculty in 2013 by The Economist.

The program is entirely in English and approved by China’s Ministry of Education.

This Leadership EMBA in Beijing focuses on developing senior leaders with a strategic vision and enhances students’ ability to interact with the various disciplines in a business. Skills are developed over 18 months on a part-time basis with only two days away from the workplace each month. Classes will be held in Chaoyang District starting from April 2014. To find out more, contact the EMBA Counselor to discuss admission requirements. (8526 2528/29 ext 24, 6500 3930, beijing@rhsmith.umd.edu) www. rhsmith.umd.cn

Language Schools Beijing Mandarin School Established in 1998, Beijing Mandarin School has students speaking 60 percent of the time in class and focuses on communication for everyday life.

Over the years, thousands of students from over 50 countries and over 70 companies and embassies have studied at the school.

Beijing Mandarin School offers weekly Chinese cooking classes (RMB 150/two hours) and other cultural activities. Visa help and accommodations are also available. Call for a free trial lesson. 1) Rm 709, 7/F, 42 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. Contact Skype ID: beijingmandarinschool1998 (8441 8391 /186 1052 0622, info@ beijingmandarinschool.com); 2) Room 904-905, 9/F, E-Tower, Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. Contact Skype ID: beijingmandarinschool1998 (6508 1026/1126, info@beijingmandarinschool.com) www. beijingmandarinschool.com 北京普通话学校, 1) 朝阳区亮马桥路42号光明饭店709室; 2) 朝 阳区光华路12号数码01大厦9层904

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 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 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 – 18Tuition fees (2014– 2015Academic Year) Application fee: 1,800 Capital Levy fee: 30,000 New Student fee: 2,500 International Primary School (Grade 1-5):120,000IB Middle Year Programme (Grade 6-9): 140,000 IB Middle Year Programme (Grade 10): 160,000IB Diploma Programme (Grade

11–12): 160,000 18 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 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 Daystar Academy Daystar Academy, a Kindergarten-Grade 6 school, offers a balance of Montessori-based English education and the Chinese National Curriculum. Students spend half of their day in each language

Schools School fees listed are for one academic year unless otherwise. Specified.Abbreviations: IB = International Baccalaureate; ESOL = English as a Second or Other Language 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, universitysearches, and transitional education services to third-culture kids and their parents. Age range: 3-17. Tuition fees (2012-2013 Academic Year): RMB 18,00023,000 (refundable deposit); RMB 3,800 (registration); RMB 99,000 (Kindergarten); RMB 146,400-177,500 (Grades 1-12); RMB 20,000 (ESOL) Bldg 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili, Chaoyang District. (6443 3151, admissions@ biss.com.cn) www.biss.com.cn 北京BISS国际学 校, 朝阳区安贞西里四区17号楼 Beijing City International School (BCIS) The school motto of BCIS is “Empowering and inspiring throughchallenge and compassion.”

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

BCIS offers an international curriculum for Nursery through Grade 12 students under the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School system and isauthorized to teach all three IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma). The campus culture is characterized by a warm and inclusive nature and an emphasis on personalized rigorousacademic inquiry through the extensive use of information technology in the classroom. Age range: 3-18. Tuition fees (2012-2013 Academic Year): RMB 2,000 (registration fee); RMB 5,000 (new student fee); RMB 132,600 (Nursery); RMB 144,500 (Pre-K); RMB 154,000 (Kindergarten); RMB

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Directories environment. As part of their curriculum, they are developingan integrated, capabilitiesbased character education program that unites all areas of the school and community.

This approach connects two cultures and implements the strongest attributes of both Western and Eastern teaching methodologies.

Sibling discounts availabe. Age range: 3-12.

Tuition fees (2013-2014 Academic Year): RMB 105,000 (Kindergarten full day); RMB 57,000 (half-day, for 3-year-olds only); RMB95,000 (3 years old); RMB 105,000 (4-5 years old) RMB 110,000 (Elementary, Grade 1-6); RMB 10,000-30,000 (additional one-time entry fee) 2 Shunbai Lu, Chaoyang District. (8430 2654 ext 8009 or 5603 9446 (Heather Zhao in Admissions), heatherz@daystarchina.cn) www.daystarchina.cn 启明星双语学校, 朝阳 区顺白路2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 ranging in age from 12 months to 18 years. DCB is a 21st-century school that couples outstanding ICT facilities with a modern approach. The school features a one-to-one laptop policy for students in Year 8 and above and utilizes a Virtual Learning Environment for the entire faculty. DCB is accredited by the Council of International Schools and Western Association of School and Colleges, and was named International School of the Year in 2011. The school aims to provide students with a well-rounded environment to grow, develop, and learn in. Ages: 12 months – 18 years. Application Fee: RMB 2000 – nonrefundable; 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@dulwichbeijing.cn) www.dulwich-beijing.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 International Kindergarten CBD Global Trade Mansion Etonkids International Kindergarten is one of the oldest schools in Beijing’s Etonkids franchise (a nationwide educational group). The school provides a community-centered Americanstyle education led by Montessori-certified teachers and an educational philosophy based on the Three C’s – Creativity, Character and Culture. Coursework includes lessons in practical life, “sensorial,” math, language, culture and science. A variety of programs are also available including Reggio Baby and Kindermusik. The staff meets regularly for training under the EXCELS school improvement planning program, which is designed to share new teaching practices, the Montessori method and current educational trends. Age range: 1.5-6 years old. Tuition fees (2010-2011 Academic Year): Annual Registration fee RMB 2,000 Yuan (inclusive the materials and uniforms)RMB71,800112,000/year 1) 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); 2) 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) www. etonkids.com 伊顿国际幼儿园, 1) 朝阳区光 华路世贸国际公寓D座3层; 2) 朝阳区机场路丽 都广场C103室 Harrow International School Beijing Harrow International School Beijing prides itself on high academic standards that are maintained within a close-knit school community. All students are assigned a personal tutor who looks after their overall welfare and serves as a liaison between

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school and home. High academic standards and leadership skills are promoted schoolwide, with a range of enrichment activities to help students develop teamwork and creative thinking skills, as well as independence and responsibility. Graduates from Harrow Beijing have been accepted at universities across the world, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Princeton.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. Harrow Beijing is also a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS) and, like all Harrow International Schools, undergoes regular accreditation visits by CIS and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) in the US. Harrow Beijing is also a member of the Federation of British International Schools in Southeast Asia and East Asia (FOBISSEA), which enables students to collaborate in music and sports with other schools across Southeast Asia.

Age Range: 3-18. Tuition Fees (2012-2013 Academic Year): Nursery: RMB 119,800; Reception: RMB 149,300; Years 1-2: RMB 177,700; Years 3-6: RMB 189,100; Years 7-9: RMB 207,600; Years 10-11: RMB 217,600; Years 12-13: RMB 231,700. 287 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 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 House of Knowledge International Kindergarten (HoK) House of Knowledge (HoK) boasts a unique curriculum that includes aspects of Montessori and Reggio Emilia, with special emphasis placed on the latter approach. Students are treated as competent learners with boundless potential.

With this in mind, the curriculum helps kids acquire critical thinking and collaboration skills by teaching them how to “learn to learn” in a multilingual environment (English, German, Chinese). Age range: 10 months to 6 years. Tuition fees (2013-2014 Academic Year): RMB 2,000 (registration fee); RMB 5,000-15,000 (refundable deposit based on withdrawal policy); RMB 66,780-136,680 (school fees based on choice of program).

1) Quanfa Campus: North gate of Quanfa compound, 15 Maquanying, Chaoyang District. (6431 8452, info@hokschools. com); 2) Victoria Gardens Campus: 15 Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District.

(6538 2624, info@hokschools.com) www. hokschools.com 好思之家国际幼儿园, 1) 朝阳 区马泉营15号泉发花园北门; 2) 朝阳区朝阳公 园西路15号维多利亚花园公寓

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. During that time, it has earned a glowing reputation for its steady commitment to the growth, education, and well-being of its pupils. The school is both an affiliate member of the American Montessori Society(AMS), which upholds the MACTE Montessori education standards on an international level, and the International Montessori Teaching Institute, which provides ongoing training to all of MSB’s lead teachers and teaching assistants.

In August 2012, the school expanded its Riviera campus to cover all of its prekindergarten through elementary programs, and counts spacious classrooms, an indoor pool, and a multi-purpose auditorium among its facilities. Parents, in particular, are fond of the campus’s twoCoffee Stops, where they can mingle with a cup of coffee and a freshly-baked treat, courtesy of the school’s dedicated parent association. 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; Fullday 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 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. The school’s curriculum and culture are grounded in the core values of global-mindedness, integrity, respect, balance, creativity, and service. ISB has superior facilities and offers opportunities in sports, service, and the arts. In the school’s welcoming community, students find a balance of rigorous academics and enriching personal growth. 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 Jack & Jill Children’s Center Jack & Jill Children’s Center is a full-day child care and education service provider. The child-focused teaching practices are the cornerstone of a dynamic learning process designed to build up children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for knowledge. The curriculum used is designed and implemented by a professional teaching team based on various curricula, including HighScope, Reggio Emilia and Chinese culture. In an environment where children are the “real owners”, they will develop in mind, body and spirit as they explore the world around them, develop communication and social skills, and learn to proactively and independently think, judge and solve problems. Rm 105-108, Bldg 1, Chevalier Apt, 2 Shangjialou Lu, Chaoyang District. (8436 1861, 139 1188 6574, shuang.p@jacknjill.cn) www.jacknjill.cn 嘉杉嘉华儿童之家, 朝阳区尚 家楼路2号院裘马都1号楼105-108室 Keystone Academy Keystone Academy will open in Shunyi District in the fall of 2014. Keystone promises to be a unique and exciting school option for families in China – offering Chinese and American instructional techniques of inquiry-based learning, criticalthinking, and creative problem solving in

a rigorous intellectual environment. The academic program will be international in scope, with a central curriculum thread that focuses on Chinese identity, language, culture, and history. Keystone will serve students grades 1 through 12, with a bilingual curriculum in the primary years and more intensive instruction in English as students progress through the program. There will be a boarding school option for Grade 7 and 8, and mandatory boarding in Grade 9-12.

Houshayu Town, Shunyi District. (5825 6008, admission@keystoneacademy.cn) www. keystoneacademy.cn 北京鼎石国际学校, 顺 义区后沙峪镇 Lycée Français International de Pékin (The French School) The French International School of Beijing (LFIP) is part of a network of 480 French schools established in 130 countries. It is administered in accordance with the official guidelines established by the French Ministry of Education, while remaining open to the Chinese language and culture and promoting the use of English in an international context. The LFIP offers its education in 3 languages (French, English, Chinese), from Kindergarten to the final year of High School. Non-native French-speaking students will have their language abilities assessed, and are given special support according to their results. Located in Sanlitun, the LFIP welcomes around 1000 students from about 50 different nationalities. Ages : 3-18 years old. Tuition fees for the 2013-2014 academic year: one time registration fee EUR 850; Kindergarten and elementary School EUR 7,020 – 8,770; Middle School: EUR 8,100 – 9290; High School: EUR 12,590 – 14,440 1) High school: Chaoyang Community College, 17, Beisanhuan Donglu, Chaoyang Shequ Xueyuan, Chaoyang District. (6444 1136, secretariata@lfip.net.cn); 2) Elementary school and Middle school: 13 Sanlitun Dongsijie, Chaoyang District. (6532 3498, secretariata@lfip.net.cn); 3) Kindergarten: 4 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6532 7881, secretariata@lfip.net.cn) http://www.lfip.net. cn/ 北京法国国际学校, 1) 朝阳区朝阳社区学 院, 北三环东路17号; 2) 朝阳区三里屯东四街 13号; 3) 朝阳区三里屯路4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 1011); RMB 246,057 (Year 12-13). 1) Sanlitun Foundation Stage: 7 Sanlitun Beixiaojie, Chaoyang District. (8532 5320, admissions@ britishschool.org.cn); 2) Sanlitun Primary: No.5 XiLiuJie Sanlitun, Chaoyang District.

(8532 3088, admissions@britishschool. org.cn); 3) Shunyi Campus: 9 Anhua Lu (south side), Shunyi District. (8047 3558, admissions@britishschool.org.cn) www. britishschool.org.cn 北京英国学校, 1) 朝阳区 三里屯北小街7号; 2) 朝阳区三里屯西六街5号; 3) 顺义区安华路9号南院 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

Directories 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 204,000 10 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

Shopping Home Accessories and Gear Beijing Torana Clean Air Center Air purifiers from Blueair and Alen Air, pollution masks from Totobobo. Free home assessments and delivery. 1) Daily 10am8.30pm. Unit LB09, 1/F, Europlaza Mall, Shunyi District. (8459 0785); 2) 10.30am6.30pm. Unit 308, Pinnacle Plaza, Shunyi District. (8046 1091) www.toranacleanair. com/index.html 1) 顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号 欧陆广场LB09; 2) 顺义区天竺镇花梨坎村南“ 荣祥广场308室

IQAir China specializes in bringing clean air solutions to both residential and commercial users. 1) B1/F, 03A Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District. (6457 1922, info@iqair-china.com); 2) Daily 10am10pm. 5/F, Household Appliance Area, Youyi Shopping City, 52 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (158 0136 1601, info@iqair-china. com); 3) 10am-8pm. 6/F, Parkson Plaza, 101 Fuxingmennei Dajie, Xicheng District.

(157 1286 8485, info@iqair-china.com); 4) 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); 5) Daily 10am-10pm. 5/F, Shin Kong Place, 87 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (5738 2401, info@iqair-china.com); 6) Daily 9am-6pm.

Rm 1801-03, Air China Plaza, 36 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District. (8447 5800, info@iqairchina.com); 7) Daily 10am-9pm. 4/F, 417 Seasons Place, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District. (6622 0179, info@iqair-china.com); 8) 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); 9) 10am-10pm.

B2/F, Scitech Plaza, 22 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Beijing, Chaoyang District. (188 1020 5987, info@iqair-china.com) www.iqair-china.com 1) 顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场地下一层 03A; 2) 朝阳区亮马桥路52号燕莎友谊商城5层; 3) 西城区复兴门内大街101号6层百盛复兴门店 家电部; 4) 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; 5) 朝阳区建国路87号新 光天地5层生活家电区; 6) 朝阳区霄云路36号国 航大厦1801-03室; 7) 西城区金城坊街金融街 417号四层; 8) 海淀区远大路1号金源新燕莎商 城地下1层; 9) 朝阳区建国门外大街22号赛特购 物中心地下二层 RGF Pro-active Air Purification System The RGF-DESKTOP system is small, compact, lightweight, easy to install and use in any place. PHI Cell reduces not only germs, viruses. And bacteria but also harmful gases, VOCs, odors, tobacco smoke, suspended airborne particulates as small as 0.01 mm, which are common indoor air pollutants in modern buildings and home. Many air purifiers only purify the air that passes through the device. This results in a large percentage of the room left untreated and unprotected. PHI Cell not only treats the air that passes through the device, but it also sends the friendly oxidizers into the entire room for a complete coverage. Traditional air purifiers often require regular maintenance, which results in high operational cost.

The Desktop requires no cleaning and maintenance. It consumes no more than 10W and operates with low-pressure drop.

This provides a great way to save energy for building operators and home owners. F11, North Tower, Daheng Technology Towers, 3 Suzhou Street, 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

N99 testing; meaning Vogmask outperforms standard N95 masks. Vogmask fits babies, young children, teens and adults. They require no filter changes, and can be used for hundreds of hours without replacement.

Rm 1801, Air China Plaza, No.36 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6477 7300, info@ vogmask.cn) www.vogmask.cn 威隔口罩, 朝 阳区霄云路36号国航大厦1801室

Scuba Diving

Photography Studios & Services

Skiing & Snowboarding

ELF kids Photography Daily 9.30am5.30pm. 5-2-101, 33 Shiyun Haoting, Guangqu Lu, Chaoyang District. (8776 9877, 152 0110 0176, 1824019404@qq.com) www. ielf.cn 爱儿菲亲子摄影工作室, 朝阳区广渠路33 号石韵浩庭5-2-101

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

Littleones Kids & Family Portrait Studio This Western photography studio specializes in newborn, children, family, and maternity photos. Photo shoots are tailored to each family. Daily 9am-6pm. Swan Bay Building 16, suite 2203, Chao Yang Bei Lu, Chaoyang District. (8577-9987, service@littleones.com. cn) www.littleones.com.cn 美国乐童万色儿 童摄影机构, 朝阳区朝阳北路天鹅湾南区16号 楼2203 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.pro, www.mishka.cn 1) 朝 阳区双井桥富力城C3; 2) 朝阳区广顺南大街嘉 美中心1910 VivaXiao Photography Studio Formerly known as Small World Photo Studio, VivaXiao is a professional photography studio based in Shunyi. Providing services both in and out of the studio, VivaXiao aims to create memorable photos that evoke emotions, capture memories, and awaken the imagination. Tue-Sun 10am-7pm. Rm 509510, 5/F, Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Shunyi District. (80461603 (Chinese), 13691091046 (English)) www.vivaxiao.com 小小世界专业 摄影, 顺义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场五层 509-510

Services Long Fei Xiang Ye Automobile Leasing Co. Ltd Providing new and returning customers with salons, SUV’s and tour-buses for short, medium and long term leasing.

We offer an international car-renting model so as to provide a reliable service with after sales services applied. Since its establishment we provide cars to individuals, companies both foreign and domestic. In line with our company value of putting the customer first, we have a smooth managing system as to provide quality services. Rm 1454, Bldg 5, Shoucheng Guoji, 36 Guangqu Lu, Chaoyang District. (6775 2002, yuki.liu2@icloud.com) www.longfeixy.com 北京龙飞祥业汽车租赁有 限公司, 朝阳区广渠路36号院首城国际5号楼B 座1454室

Sports Ice Skating IQ Air While little can be done about outdoor air pollution, you can certainly make a difference with the air you breathe in your home or office. IQAir has been the top-rated air purifier brand for more than a decade. The Health Pro 250 is their most popular product and is considered by most to be the best all-around air cleaning system available. With their HyperHEPA technology, you are guaranteed near perfect levels of efficiency for the life of your machine.

Vogmask® China Vogmask is a fusion of fashion and function. The leading antipollution mask available in China Vogmask uses a revolutionary microfiber filtration fabric to remove 99.978% of damaging particulate matter (PM) such as tiny PM 2.5 particles.

Vogmask meets US FDA Requirements for

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

SinoScuba Offers safe, family scuba diving services! Kids aged 10 and up Underwater activities, including swimming with dolphins and full certification courses for ages 10 and up. Classes available in Chinese and English.

(186 1113 3629, steven@sinoscuba.com) www.sinoscuba.com

Genting Resort Secret Garden

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 (Mon-Fri) RMB 360/full day (SatSun). Sledding is RMB 50/30 mins. Lodging available (RMB 320-360). Daily 8.30am5.30pm. 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

Yoga Fine Yoga 1) Mon-Fri 7am-8.30pm, SunSat 8am-6pm. 16/F, Tower 2, Blue Castle International Center, 3 Xi Dawang Lu, Chaoyang District. (8599 9566, 139 1120 9563); 2) 2/F, East Tower, Van Palace Apartment, 1 Jinghua Nanjie, Chaoyang District. (139 1120 9563) www.fine-yoga. com 梵音瑜珈, 1) 朝阳区西大望路蓝堡国际中 心会所2号楼16层; 2) 朝阳区景华南街1号旺座 中心东塔2层 Incy Wincy Yoga Children learn to walk like a dog, buzz like a bee, and moo like a barnyard cow while developing their motor skills and building their selfconfidence. Founded in 2006 by a mother and experienced yoga instructor Angelina Liu, Incy Wincy Yoga is a yoga company dedicated to Children’s and Baby yoga.

Classes are 45-minute for muscular and bone development, balance and coordination, focus and concentration as well as fun. The programs are suitable for children 3-12 years old, babies, and teens. All classes are taught in English with over 15 centers around Beijing. Rm 1909, Bldg A, U-Space Building, 8 Guangqumenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District.

(5861 3809, info@incywincyyoga.com) www. incywincyyoga.com 朝阳区广渠门外大街8号优 士阁A座，1909室 Yoga Yard Yard Vinyasa (flow) yoga classes offered daily, mornings and evenings, at various levels. offers pre- and postnatal yoga, introduction to yoga, restorative yoga, and other workshops. Yoga books, mats and wellness products also available. Kids yoga for ages 4 and above. RMB 400 for a four-week session. Mon-Thu 7.15am-9.30pm, Fri-Sun 7.15am-8pm. Fri-Sun 7.15am-8pm.

6/F, 17 Gongti Beilu (across from the north gate of Workers’ Stadium), Chaoyang District.

(6413 0774, info@yogayard.com) www. yogayard.com 瑜珈苑, 朝阳区工体北路17号6 层工人体育场北门对面

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The Circuit The Circuit is a chance to sneak a peek at what’s happening on the family and school scene. Want to see your event on these pages? Send an email with the date of your past event and a brief description to morganshang@beijing-kids.com by January 13. beijingkids Santa on Ice On December 15, beijingkids held its annual Santa on Ice event with photos with Santa, presents for each child, and ice skating with Mrs. Claus. Special thanks to Le Cool ice rink for the venue, ELFkids for taking photos with Santa, Fairmont Beijing for providing hot chocolate and Christmas treats, Camilla Ojansivu Underhill from Icebreakers for being our Mrs. Claus, and Nicholas Richards for being Santa Claus.

photos: ken

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The Circuit Christmas Tree Lighting at Fairmont Beijing Hotel On December 1, the Fairmont Beijing Hotel marked its annual Christmas tree lighting with the opening of a huge gingerbread house made by the pastry team. Children got to sit on Santa’s lap, decorate cupcakes, get their faces painted, make balloon art, and make Christmas cards. There was also dancing, carols, and a children’s poetry reading.

photos: courtesy of fairmont beijing and keystone

Keystone Hosts Fourth Education Salon On November 28, Keystone Academy hosted the latest installment of its Educational Salon Series, “A Close Up on International Education,” at Beijing American Club. More than 150 parents turned up to hear Head of Middle School Michael Yi and Dean of Admission Rachael Beare speak.

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The Circuit ISB Stages A Midsummer Night’s Dream From November 28-30, middle school students at The International School of Beijing performed a modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

HoK Craft Corner O n N ove m b e r 3 0 , H o u s e o f K n o w l e d g e International Kindergarten held a children’s craft corner in which proceeds went to the German Embassy Bazaar Charity.

photos: courtesy of isb and hok

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The Circuit BIBA Winter Festival On December 6 and 9, Beijing International Bilingual Academy students performed seasonal songs for family and friends.

photos: courtesy of biba and cisb

CISB Students Visit Mercedes Benz Center On December 9 and 10, Grade 11 students from the Canadian International School of Beijing visited the Mercedes Benz Center.

They toured the flagship store and the workshop, learned about branding, and even started the engines of various car models.

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The Circuit Daystar Students Entertain to Help Others On 13 December, Daystar Academy students, sang, danced, and displayed their musical chops to help raise funds for charity at the Student Talent Show.

“Bin There, Done That,� Says BWYA On November 11, primary students from Beijing World Youth Academy learned about recycling, waste disposal and reusing organic products and kitchen waste at Beijing Chaoyang Circular Economy Industrial Park, a facility that treats 1,600 tons of garbage every day.

photos: courtesy of daystar and bwya

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The Circuit 3e Christmas Bazaar On November 16, 3e International School hosted its second Christmas Bazaar in which children could decorate their own Christmas cards and ornaments.

photos: courtesy of wab and 3e

WAB Grade 5 Show On December 4, Grade 5 students from the Western Academy of Beijing displayed their talents in the Visual and Performing Arts Show.

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The Circuit BCIS Christmas Bazaar On November 30, the Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF) and Beijing City International School co-organized the 2013 Christmas Bazaar with more than 60 food and shopping stalls, and live music and dance from BCIS students. A total of RMB 27,000 was raised for the MCF, which was used to get 50 migrant children health checkups in Beijing.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at NCWCH On December 12, New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital held a Christmas tree lighting ceremony with more than 50 families in attendance and a performance by the Fangcaodi International School children’s choir. CEO David Wood addressed the crowd and lit the lights on the Christmas tree.

photos: courtesy of bcis and ncwch

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The Circuit Family Lesson Day at BCA On November 14, Beijing Collegiate Academy held its first Family Lesson Day in which parents joined their child’s classes for a firsthand experience of the BCA program.

photos: courtesy of bca and bsb sanlitun

BSB Christmas Fayre On December 1, The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun held its annual Christmas Fayre. The event raised RMB 44,800 for the United Nations World Food Programme to help the victims of Typhoon Haiyan and Thirst, an organization focusing on the global water crisis.

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The Circuit DCB Performs Lessons in Love On November 22, Dulwich College Beijing premiered Lessons in Love starring over 130 student performers and West End stars Aoife Mulholland and Morgan Crowley.

Harrow Year 10 Drama Production In November, Year 10 Drama GCSE students and the comedy club performed a number of humorous plays, including a farcical version of Ben Elton’s Silly Cow, a Brechtian-style interpretation of Billy Liar, and the absurd play Did Anyone Bring Diapers.

photos: courtesy of dcb and harrow

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The Circuit YCIS Beijing Ying Yang Fair In November, YCIS Beijing held a Ying Yang Fair focusing on health and wellness. Students created projects to display and guest presenters included Beijing United Family Hospital, Vogmask, IQ Air and Aier-Intech Eye Hospital.

photos: courtesy of ycis beijing and huijia

Huijia Completes Equestrian Club At the end of November, Huijia finished an indoor equestrian training hall with a PM 2.5 air filtration system, temperature control, and energy-saving materials.

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The Circuit Tree Lighting at The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street On November 26, The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Financial Street welcomed more than 300 guests for its tree lighting ceremony. Entertainment included a children’s choir from Sun Village, an appearance by Santa Claus and Teddy Bear, and a silent auction that raised over RMB 50,000 for charity.

Santa Claus at baby international Las month, Santa Claus made an appearance at baby international’s first Sunday brunch, passing out sweets and presents to the kids in attendance.

photos: courtesy of ritz-carlton beijing financial street and baby international

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The Circuit BJU Raises Funds for Orphans in China On December 7, Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) held a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and charity auction that raised RMB 29,430 to fund life-saving surgeries for Chinese orphans.

photos: courtesy of bju and on pointe

On Pointe Winter Production Last month, On Pointe Dance Studio gave two sold-out performances of The Wizard of Oz at the International School of Beijing.

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The Circuit China World Mall Christmas Celebration On December 6, China World Mall held a Christmas celebration and tree lighting ceremony with more than 500 guests in attendance. The event raised RMB 100,000 to benefit the blind.

AnRic Visits China Railway Museum On December 10, students at AnRic Little Montessori Room visited the China Railway Museum.

photos: courtesy of china world mall and anric

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2014 January

The Circuit Max Turns 13 On December 3, Side by Side celebrated student Max’s 13th birthday with pizza making, a chocolate cake, chocolate cupcakes, and presents from Ian, Dominic, and Eric.

photos: courtesy of side by side and css

China Self-Storage at the Rotary Club Christmas Bazaar From November 9-10, China Self Storage attended the Rotary Club of Beijing’s annual Christmas charity bazaar and held a lucky draw.

January 2014

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Family Favorites Favorite Snacks A big bowl of sweet cherry tomatoes or some barbecue-flavored Doritos

Favorite Places to Shop Solana because it has everything! We also go to Scitech Plaza, Malls at Oriental Plaza for quality shopping, and Forever 21 for affordable, fun fashion. The girls love Yashow Market.

Favorite Neighborhoods Sanlitun and Dongsi

Best Winter Activities Skating on the frozen lakes at Shunyi’s Dragon Bay and skiing in Nanshan, which has great ski runs and is well worth the drive.

The Völcsey Family

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2014 January

Weekend Activities If the air quality allows, we take long walks around the hutongs or parks like Beihai Park.

We also catch up with family and friends on social media and we actually enjoy buying groceries together!

Favorite Family Restaurant Ruslan, a Russian restaurant in Shunyi for the friendly atmosphere and beautiful location. Eudora Station in Lido is a superb place for a Sunday brunch because of its fantastic buffet.

Date Night The Den in Sanlitun – nice drinks, good food, and casual atmosphere.

Best Way to Relax Just sitting on the terrace with a nice cup of coffee or hot chocolate. Or being pampered in a cozy spa.

New Discoveries Muxiyuan Fabric Market – an El Dorado for fabric lovers.

photo: ken

Originally hailing from Sweden, the Völcseys are in their first year in the capital, having moved to China in August 2012. When mom Eva is not busy looking after Annie (age 11) and Emmie (9), who both attend the Swedish School Beijing, she is also the CEO of a home interiors business that she manages remotely from China. Her husband Zsolt is a project manager with the energy and transport company Alstom. We caught up with Eva to find out her family’s favorite ways to spend time in Beijing. Oscar Holland

Rainy Day Activities Reading a good book, watching a family movie, and cooking or baking together are always big hits.