beijingkids Jun 2014

June 2014

Who’s Your Daddy?

Long-distance dads, interviews with local fathers, parents and kids who do sports together, and a classy dad makeover

Bring On the Heat

Bike itineraries, fountain fun, Great Wall camping, and more!

Outside the Box

Al fresco dining spots

JUNE 2014 CONTENTS

74 Features 62

Mad about Dad

48 25

The Doc Is In

26

The Magic Touch

Dr. Richard Saint Cyr reflects on the benefits of fatherhood What’s infant massage and how does it work?

Four fathers discuss parenting in Beijing

70

40

Split Decision What happens when your family lives on different continents?

74

Dining

Like Father, Like Son Parents and kids who bond through sports

28

Dining Out

30

Food for Thought

32

A Place in the Sun

Finger-licking Korean fried chicken at Chicken Suutak’s

Living 17

From the Blog

The Justo girls beat the heat with avocado soup Picture-perfect restaurants for outdoor dining

A Q&A with BIBA Middle and High School Principal Jane Krader

18

Noticeboard

19

Talking Shop

20

Birthday Bash

Community news and announcements Life is sweet for WAB siblings Stephanie and Kevin Yang Swing through the trees at Happy Gorilla Tree-Top Adventure

22

Indulge

Playing 34

What’s Fun In Bike rides through Houhai, Hegezhuang, and Haidian

40

Playing Outside Beijing’s best fountains

Introducing Jack Harman, beijingkids’ first dad makeover

42

Family Travels

Health

44

Weekend Warrior

46

Day Tripper

The Drivers venture south to Hainan

24

The Natural Path Melissa Rodriguez shares a recipe for peach nectar

Camping on the Great Wall with China Hikers Ella Smith visits Shepherd’s Field with her Grade 4 class

JUNE 2014 CONTENTS

19

26

30

Learning 48

All the World’s a Stage Following Shakespeare’s trail in Beijing

52

When I Grow Up Fitness expert Ruben Payan visits BIBS

54

Blank Canvas Artwork by Daystar Academy students

Directories 78 78 80 81 82 83 84 85

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

Parenting 56

Beijing Baba Christopher Lay recounts lessons passed down from his dad

57

The Echo Chamber

58

Chinese Whispers

Ember Swift struggles with cross-cultural notions of fatherhood Two sides of sending your kids to a local school

Essentials 9 10 16 86 96

Editor’s Note June Events New Arrivals The Circuit Family Favorites The Péan family

ON THE COVER: American-born Zach Lewison is the culinary director of Kro’s Nest and part owner of The Irish Volunteer. He came to Beijing over six years ago. Along with his Beijinger wife Tobey and their son Jim Jim (age 2), he’ll return to his native Jacksonville, Florida this summer to spend a month with his parents. The highlight of the trip will be Jim Jim’s first baseball game, with three generations of Lewison men at the ballpark. Photo by PIXSTUDIO.

《中国妇女》英文刊

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

Adviser 顾 问

2014 年 6 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6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

Yun Pengju 恽鹏举 Wei Liang 位亮 Sijia Chen

Deputy Managing Editor

Aisling O’Brien

Dining and Lifestyle Editor

Clemence Jiang

School Editor

Yvette Ferrari

Web Editor

Nimo Wanjau

Shunyi Correspondent Contributors

Sally Wilson Christopher Lay, Kyle Mullin, Melissa Rodriguez, Dr. Richard Saint Cyr, Ella Smith, Steven Schwankert, Ember Swift

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

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

国际标准刊号

ISSN1000 9388

国内统一刊号

CN11-1704/C

The beijingkids Board Jennifer Parrott

A Publication of

The proud mother of a 4-year-old who attends YCIS Beijing, Jennifer hails from Boston. She loves shopping and discovering great new restaurants. Jennifer is involved with the International Newcomers’ Network (INN) and leads the Chaoyang Park Coffee Mornings on the third Wednesday of every month. She can be reached at jparrott@me.com.

True Run Media 出版制作 Advertising Agency

Immersion International Advertising (Beijing) Co., Limited

Charlotte Moreau

Charlotte is beijingkids’ former 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 this month.

广告代理

深度体验国际广告（北京）有限公司 Telephone/电话: 5779 8877 Advertising Hotlines/广告热线： 5941 0368/69/72/77/78/79

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.

General Manager Michael Wester Operations Manager Toni Ma Managing Editor Sijia Chen Deputy Managing Editor Aisling O’Brien Dining and Lifestyle Editor Clemence Jiang School Editor Yvette Ferrari Web Editor Nimo Wanjau

Yanhong Wheeler

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

Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson Marketing Manager Shana Zhang

beijingkids Brand Manager Victoria Yang Art Director Susu Luo Production Manager Joey Guo Principal Designer and Illustrator Sun Zheng

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.

Advertising Designer Yuki Jia Photographers Mitchell Pe Masilun, Sui, Ken Sales Manager Ivy Wang Sales Team Coordinator Luo Yi Sales Team Sheena Hu, Winter Liu, Anna Rudashko, Amy Sun, Maggie Zhang, Sasha Zhang, Wendy Lv

Christopher Lay

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.alivenotdead.com/chrislay.

Sales Assistant Tang Ao IT Team Badr Benjelloun, Yan Wen, Arvi Lucien Lefevre Finance Judy Zhao HR & Admin Cathy Wang, Siyu He Distribution Cao Yue General Inquiries 5779 8877 Editorial 5779 5389/90

Michelle Liu

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

Distribution 5941 5387

Eyee Hsu

Contact: General info: info@beijing-kids.com Editorial: editor@beijing-kids.com Sales: sales@truerun.com

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

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

AJ Warner

AJ Warner is a busy dad. When not with his two sons, he’s coaching Chinese students on how to get admitted to top US universities (undergraduate and Master’s programs). He also helps Chinese families immigrate to the US for better education opportunities.

Contact him at ajwarner@touchdown.org.cn.

Want to Join?

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

Author Interview: Ying Chang Compestine (goo.gl/fuOrgp) Children’s book author Yang Chang Compestine was recently at Star Kids Children’s Bookstore for a book tour.

Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson spoke to her about writing in a second language and collaborating with her son on a book.

WEB ROUNDUP

Picnicking in Beijing?

Modo Urban Deli Shows You How (goo.gl/fqUxTB) Summer is finally upon us! MODO Urban Deli has put together picnic packages and a map of spots in Beijing to enjoy a meal outside.

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

ver ntists Disco Chinese Scie ssors ck-Paper-Sci Winning Ro Strategy Zm) (goo.gl/GGsE

t of to wriggle ou your kids try a-p ck ro The next time ng ni in es, use this w em. th of st doing the chor be e th rategy to get ay. Try per-scissors st ientists, anyw sc e es in Ch to ng di or cc (A self!) it out for your

Chef Papa: N athan Brow n: Hands-On D ad and Spic e Lover (goo.gl/j8gjG z) In this blog se ries, find out ho w the men an women who ea d t, sleep, and breathe food a career balanc as e their home and work lives One of our re . cent interview ees is Executiv Chef Nathan e Brown of Th e Ritz-Carlto Beijing. n,

EDITOR'S NOTE

e2 I at ag a and

Grandp

Shar

ing a

From left: Grandpa, me (age 16), my sister Nancie, our cousin Siming, and Grandma in Sanya

Lion

King

mom

ent

In Sickness and In Health

M

y mother’s father died when she was only 19, so my conception of a grandfather comes solely from Grandpa Chen – my dad’s dad. I didn’t properly meet him until we visited China in 1997, the summer before I turned 11. He and my grandmother had taken care of me as a baby, but I had no memories of my stay with them in Shuifu County, Yunnan.

I was a bit nervous about meeting him nearly ten years later, but Mom assured me he’d been eagerly awaiting our arrival in Kunming – and so he was. He folded my sister Nancie and I into a big bear hug and pushed us towards a dining table groaning with home-cooked dishes.

When I mentioned I liked mangoes, Grandpa promptly rushed out of the house and returned with a heap of sweet, yellow fruit.

He doted on us throughout the trip, constantly checking to see whether Nancie or I needed food, water, a break, or a bathroom. He held our hands whenever he could, sat next to us at the dinner table, and listened raptly to the minutiae of our lives in Canada.

This would remain a theme throughout the years. When we moved back to China in 2002, he was as stoic as ever in his faithfulness. His questions annoyed me more as a surly teenager, but we continued to see each other and travel as a family, the high point being my parents’ 25th wedding anniversary in Hainan.

Last November, I took a week off from work to visit my grandfather in the hospital. Mom had called a few days earlier to say he wasn’t well. There was reportedly fluid in his lungs and he’d lost at least 5kg, but the doctors couldn’t find a cause. My parents wouldn’t be able to fly to Kunming until later, so I was the sole visitor that week.

I almost didn’t recognize him. My grandfather had always been a vigorous man with a crew cut and a wiry build; the man in the bed had sunken cheeks and a wan complexion, with wrists so thin they seemed likely to snap if I held them too tightly.

For a week, we settled into a routine where I arrived at the hospital in the early afternoon, we shared some fruit if he had the appetite, a nurse came by to drain the fluid from his lungs or examine him, he

dozed off, and I sat by his bed and wrote or drew until he woke up again. When I wasn’t at the hospital or doing work, I took long walks through the city.

I asked Grandpa about his upbringing, which he gradually uncovered between fits of sleep. “There’s not much to tell,” he said. But there was.

His father had crossed over from Sichuan as a young man and operated a successful inn and tobacco shop. That all changed with the arrival of the Cultural Revolution; the business crumbled and his brothers left to seek their fortunes. By the end of the Revolution, all four of his siblings – two older brothers and two older sisters – were gone.

He spoke matter-of-factly, without remorse or resentment. I took notes as fast as I could, prompting other visitors to ask why. How could I possibly explain that that this was the only way I knew how to deal with the situation? That I didn’t know if this would be the last time?

Reluctantly, I flew back to Beijing.

About a month later, Dad called me to say that Grandpa had passed away. I felt numb upon hearing the news but crumpled into bed when I got home and proceeded to wail like an injured animal, no doubt alarming the neighbors.

Though I regret not knowing him better, our conversations in the hospital revealed much more than I thought; it turns out that my dad also wasn’t aware of my great-grandfather’s Sichuan roots.

To me, the experience had underscored the urgency of talking to older generations while they’re still here.

Sijia Chen Managing Editor

June 2014 beijingkids

9

JUNE 12-21 3

1

2 Thu, Jun 12: AustCham-Dulwich Australian University Fair For teens. AustCham Beijing and Dulwich College Beijing will co-host the Australian University Fair, bringing top universities to Beijing to talk about the Australian university system and talk to students. Free. 3.30-5pm. Dulwich College Beijing (6454 9000, info@dulwich-beijing.cn) 1

Sat, Jun 14: Backstreet Beijing Walk Ages 7+. This walk tour features a visit to the Yuan Dynastyera White Dagoba, a stroll around in the hutongs, and a visit to writer Lu Xun’s former residence and museum. Reservations required. RMB 200. 9.30am-12.30pm. China Culture Center (6432 9341/1041, info@chinaculturecenter.org) 3

Fri, Jun 13: BJU Blood Drive For adults. BJU will host a blood drive at the main hospital in Lido. Free. 10am-3pm. Beijing United Family Hospital (jenifer. sullivan@ufh.com.cn.)

Sat, Jun 14: Family Painting Workshop Ages 4+. Learn how to paint as a family with Isabelle Hervouët using a multi-sensory approach. Registration required. RMB 250/ person, family price is RMB 200/adult and RMB 80/child. 4-6pm.

Atelier (6416 1614, atelier@atelier.cn.com) 4

Sat, Jun 14: beijingkids 2014 Father’s Day Pool Party All ages. Celebrate Father’s Day with us at the Radisson Blu Hotel with a delicious all-you-can-eat barbecue featuring free-flow freeflow soft drinks, coffee, and beer. Activities include swimming, fun games, free family photos, and a goodie bag for Dad with mugs, wine and more. beijingkids Club members: RMB 200 (adults), RMB 100 (ages 5-11), RMB 50 (under 5). Non-members: RMB 250 (adults), RMB 150 (ages 5-11), RMB 50 (under 50). Radisson Blu Hotel (5941 5387, events@beijing-kids.com) 2

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beijingkids 2014 June

Sat, Jun 14: Dedicated Art for Daddy (DAD) Ages 3+. Start Father’s Day celebrations early at Art Bug’s Chaowai branch as kids and dads team up to make neck ties, play games, and more. Registration required. Free (members), RMB 100/child for non-members. 8pm-10pm. Art Bug (5900 0270)

events ESSENTIALS Editor’s Pick

Dining

Playing

Learning

Living

Health

Parenting

4

5 Sun, Jun 15: Father’s Day at The Schoolhouse All ages. After a hike up the Great Wall at Mutianyu, dads can eat for free at The Schoolhouse as long as they are accompanied by at least one of their children. They can choose between a sandwich or main course, with a complimentary dessert and soft drink or beer. Noon-9pm. The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu (6162 6506) 5 Sun, Jun 15: Traders Upper East Father’s Day Brunches All ages. While dads brunch, the kids can play in the indoor castle.

RMB 358 for two adults and up to two kids under 12 at Cafe Noir. RMB 158/person at Wulixiang for the Monk Jump Over the Wall seven-course set menu. Prices subject to 15% surcharge.

11am-2pm. Traders Upper East Hotel (5907 8888) Sat, Jun 21: Feel the Summer, Embrace Nature Ages 7+. Art Bug has a two-day overnight trip featuring a visit to the Beijing surburbs and an outdoor painting session. Reservations required. Price TBC. 9am-6pm. Art Bug (5900 0270)

June 2014 beijingkids

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JUNE 23-28 3

1

2

4 Mon, Jun 23: Kids Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Summer Camp Ages 7-13. This activity-filled day camp (lunch included) features a martial arts program for pre-teens from June 23-27.

From kickboxing to jiujitsu and wrestling, students will learn the best techniques and exercises. Registration required.

RMB 2,500. 11am-3pm. Black Tiger Fight Club (139 1071 2576, info@blacktigerclub.com) 1 Sat, Jun 28: Manchester United Soccer School (MUSS) Camp Ages 6-18. BSB Shunyi hosts MUSS for a three-day soccer camp (June 28-30) featuring six coaching sessions and three leadership workshops. Participants get a welcome pack containing a Manchester United Soccer Schools/Nike shirt, shorts, socks, a drawstring bag, a Nike skills ball, and player book. RMB 4,750. 8am-5pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi (info@ manutdsoccerschoolsjapan.com) 2 Sat, Jun 28: Canada Day All ages. Celebrate Canada’s 147th birthday at the 17th Canada Day at CISB as organized by Canada China Business Council.

This day features games, music, contests, prizes, a hockey tournament, a chili eating contest sponsored by the Beijinger and more. RMB 60 (adults; before June 13), RMB 80 (adults;

12

5

beijingkids 2014 June

before June 27), RMB 100 (adults, at the door), RMB 30 (ages 5-12), Free (under 5). Canadian International School of Beijing (8526 1820/21/22). 3 Ongoing: Summer Sailing Camps Ages 8-16. Running from June 15-August 29, Beijing Sailing’s summer camps are held for five days (single camp) or 12 days (double camp). Refer campers for a 10 percent discount.

Each camp starts on a Sunday and until the following Friday.

Registration required. RMB 5,500. 9am-5pm. Beijing Sailing (400 180 0107) 4 Ongoing: Weekly Summer Camps at O’le Climbing Ages 6-17. O’le Climbing will run five-day summer camps with three days of basic climbing skills at O’le followed by two days of outdoor climbing in Miyun from June 16-August 11. RMB 4,500 per week. 10am-4pm. O’le Climbing (186 1846 1002, oleclimbing@gmail.com) 5 Ongoing: Sports Beijing Summer Camps Ages 5-14. From June 16-July 11, Sports Beijing is partnering with Fusion Management and Dragon Show Culture and Arts to create a program featuring both sports and culture. Activities

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

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

6

7 include soccer, basketball, street dance, ultimate Frisbee, kickball, ping pong, handball, science experiments, building model airplanes, and making traditional Chinese kites. Sports will take place at ISB. Registration required. RMB 1,100 (half day per week), RMB 2,400 (full day per week). 8am-8pm. International School of Beijing (6430 1370) 6 Ongoing: HoK Summer Camp Ages 3-6. From June 30-July 11, HoK will host weekly themed camps focusing on pirates and the rainforest. Kids can join per week or just for a day or two. The camp is running at both the downtown and Shunyi campuses. HoK families receive a 20% discount but the price doesn’t include transportation. Registration required. RMB 2,200 (full day per week), RMB 1,750 (half day with lunch per week), RMB 1,350 (half day without lunch per week), RMB 200 (school bus). 9am-3pm. House of Knowledge International Kindergarten (vg@hokschools.com) Ongoing: Introduction to Photoshop and Illustrator For teens. On June 9, 10, 13, 17, and 20, Atelier will lead a beginner graphic design workshop on the basics of Photoshop and Illustrator. Participants will make invitations, name cards, brochures, and posters. Registration required. 1-3.30pm. RMB 1,500. Atelier (6416 1614, atelier@atelier.cn.com) 7

June 2014 beijingkids

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ONGOING 1

2 Ongoing: Summer Workshops at Atelier Ages 5-17. In the first three weeks of July and the last week of August, there will be four summer workshops with themes such as visual arts, graphic design, screen printing, and photography (TBC). Registration required. RMB 1,200/week. 9.30-11.30am (ages 5-8), 1:30-4 pm (ages 9+). Atelier (6416 1614, atelier@ atelier.cn.com) 1 Ongoing: ClubFootball Summer Camps Ages 4.5-16. Get into the spirit of the World Cup with ClubFootball’s three-day and week-long summer camps. There will also be weekend courses taking place in various locations. Courses start July 5-6 and August 23-24. Registration required. RMB 800-1,500. 9am-6pm. ClubFootball (5130 6893/4/5/6, coaching@wanguoqunxing.com) Ongoing: 2014 Ivy Summer English Sprouts Camp Ages 3-6. Ivy Academy Sprouts program is an English day camp focusing this year on science. There are two sessions: July 7-18 and July 21-August 1. Registration required. RMB 6,200/session.

9am-3.30pm. Ivy Academy East Lake campus (8451 1380, infoel@ivyschools.com) 2

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beijingkids 2014 June

Ongoing: Children’s House Summer Camp: “Our Wild, Wild World” Ages 3+. The theme of this year’s camp is “Our Wild, Wild World” focusing on the animal kingdom through songs and stories. This weekly bilingual camp features arts and crafts, music, cooking, and fun. There will be seven sessions available from July 7- August 22 at the China World and Kempinski campuses. RMB 1,500 (mornings only), RMB 2,000 (mornings and lunch), RMB 3,000 (full day). 9am-3pm. The Children’s House International Montessori Kindergarten (6465 1305/3388 ext 4477, 6505 3869/2288) 3 Ongoing: Beijing Playhouse Summer Camp – Dracula Ages 6-14. The Beijing Playhouse Academy of Performing Arts will lead aspiring actors, singers, dancers, and theater crew members in a two-week summer camp from July 17- 26. Internships available for kids above 14. The camp will culminate in a performance of Dracula. English language proficiency and registration required. RMB 8,000. 9am-5pm. Everyday Broadway Performing Arts Center (performance@beijingplayhouse.com) Ongoing: TLC Summer Camp 2014 Ages 7-18. Start preparing for the next academic year at the TLC

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

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

3

4 Summer Camp for Grades 1-10. There are one- and two-week camps divided into morning and afternoon sessions from July 14- August 22. Open to native and non-native English speakers. Discounts available. Registration required. Starting at RMB 2,250 (half day per week), RMB 4,500 (half day per two weeks).

9am-4pm. The Learning Center (8046 3886, registration@hydeeducation.com) Ongoing: Beijing Playhouse Summer Camp – Around the World in 80 Days Ages 6-14. This second summer camp will run from July 28August 9 and ends with a performance of Around the World in 80 Days. See above for requirements. RMB 8,000. 9am-5pm.

Everyday Broadway Performing Arts Center (performance@ beijingplayhouse.com) Ongoing: King’s College London’s Summer School Courses at Harrow International School Ages 15-18. From August 4-15, Harrow is offering King’s College London pre-university courses to help prepare students for university. Late applications due June 20. Registration required.

RMB 16,500. 8am-4pm. Harrow International School Beijing (www.kcl.ac.uk/kingscomestoharrow) 4

June 2014 beijingkids

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ESSENTIALS NEW ARRIVALS

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

Chen Yuexuan

15 to Chen Chinese. Born on Apr at New Cenjing Shu ng Yuxiang and Wa en’s Hospital. tury Women’s and Childr

Oscar Emanuel Inderberg Kastmann Norwegian. Born on Sep 23 to Paul Arne Kastmann and Sigrid Maria Inderberg at Beijing United Family Hospital.

Wan Jingjing

6 to Chinese. Born on Mar at Yue Wan Yang and Ma tal. spi Ho t Firs Peking University

16

beijingkids 2014 June

Sami Deyue Lie

Dutch and Irish. Born on Mar 21 to Huihan Lie and Domin ique Patton at OASIS International Hospital.

Zheng Tianjiu

Chinese. Born on May 8 to Zhang Pei and Zheng Erdong at New Century Women’s and Children’ s Hospital.

FROM THE BLOG LIVING

Meet the Principal: Middle and High School Principal Jane Krader of Beijing International Bilingual Academy This article was modified from a post on www.beijing-kids.com.

Tell us about yourself.

This is my first year in Beijing. I am originally from Denver, Colorado, although I have not lived in the US for over 20 years as my husband and my career paths has changed us into global nomads. We have one 27-year-old daughter, who is currently also living in Beijing. It’s the first time we have actually lived in the same city for quite some time.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Who was your childhood hero?

I wasn’t sure what I wanted to be – definitely not a princess, ballerina, or some other “girly” thing. One of my childhood heroes was Abraham Lincoln.

photo: courtesy of biba

What kind of student were you as a child?

I was more or less a teacher’s pet, but when I got bored I did cause trouble in the class, which sometimes surprised my teachers.

Did you ever get sent to the principal’s office? Why? Yes, because I refused to say the pledge of allegiance on the grounds that the United States did not have, as stated in the pledge, “liberty and justice for all.” We both agreed that they could not make me say something I didn’t want to say.

What was your image of the school principal when you were a student? How do you describe your image now?

I thought the principal was someone you had to go to when you got into trouble, and I was fortunate to mostly never make their acquaintance! As far as my image, I am much more approachable and visible than that.

What kind of jobs did you have before becoming a principal?

I started off in education as a German teacher and have held many other school roles in the past 20 years, including English teacher, IT teacher, and librarian.

What is a typical day like in the life of a principal?

There don’t seem to be typical days, although one usual activity is looking into classes and seeing what the students are learning.

What job would you want to do if you were not a principal?

I would be a school consultant for accreditation. I like learning how other people solve educational issues.

In all your time as an educator, what is the most important lesson you’ve learned?

As my learning journey has taken me many places which have all had different cultures and ways of doing things, I think the most important thing is to realize that there are many solutions to a problem and your own is not always the best one.

Meet the Principal/Headmaster is a new blog series designed to give the Beijing community a better understanding of who our education leaders are. If your school is interested in being featured in Meet the Principal/Headmaster, contact School Editor Yvette Ferrari at yvetteferrari@beijing-kids.com.

June 2014 beijingkids

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WHAT’S HAPPENING IN BEIJING

NLGX Opens NLGX Fashion Wagen at Parkview Green Fashion retailer NLGX recently launched the NLGX Fashion Wagen in the basement of Parkview Green. The brand converted a Chinese mianbaoche van into an eye-catching retail space with new children’s t-shirt designs on sale. The new space also includes a 3m-tall metal tree called the “NLGX Love Tree” (NLGX 爱心树), which includes a gift station where customers can get purchases sent to family and friends both domestically and internationally.

BCIS Student Receives International Leader of Tomorrow Award from UBC Grade 12 Beijing City International School (BCIS) student, Julia Choi recently became the first student at the school to receive an International Leader of Tomorrow Award from the University of British Columbia (UBC). This scholarship recognizes international students who have demonstrated high academic achievement, leadership skills, involvement in student affairs, and community service. Julia will attend UBC in the fall after graduating from BCIS at the end of May.

BSB Students Take on the Duke of Edinburgh Students at the British School of Beijing, Shunyi are hard at work pursuing the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, a program designed to equip young people with practical skills for personal and professional development. Run as an after-school activity throughout the year, the Bronze Award sees Year 10 students doing a two-day hike in the Yanqing hills northeast of Beijing. The students braved bad weather armed with only their 60L backpacks.

Two Year 9 students from Dulwich College Beijing, Valery Toporkova and Richard Li, have been selected as student reporters at the Youth Olympics in Nanjing this summer.

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3e Launches Outdoor Program “Green Thumbs” 3e International School recently introduced an outdoor learning initiative called “Green Thumbs,” which aims to “greenify” some of the school’s outdoor areas. So far, proceeds from 3e Parent Council and Green Thumbs’ fundraising efforts have bought raised plant beds, playground borders, and a composting station complete with worms. Future projects will include a play area made from recycled tires, a music area, and a rock garden.

photos: Courtesy of nlgx, 3e, bsb,And dcb

DCB Students Chosen to Cover Youth Olympics

NOTICEBOARD LIVING

CISB Appoints New Preschool and Elementary Principal The Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) has appointed Grace McCallum as the new preschool and elementary principal for the 2014-2015 academic year.

Holding a Master’s in Education in School Administration and School Leadership, McCallum has been at CISB since 2006 and currently holds an administrative role as elementary literacy department head.

ISB Students Take Part in ISEF

photos: Courtesy of Isb, CISB, BJU, And Daystar

Students from the International School of Beijing traveled to Chengdu to participate in the qualifying round of the International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). Two of the five teams chosen to represent China were from ISB. After qualifying, the students traveled to Los Angeles to participate in the finals; at the time of writing, the competition was still ongoing and the results were not announced yet.

Daystar Academy Adopts US Common Core Curriculum for Elementary English

BJU Opens New Financial Street Clinic

Daystar will use the American Common Core Standards for elementary school English starting in September. The school is transitioning from English Montessori for lower elementary to Common Core for the entire elementary school.

The move is designed to ease the students’ transition into middle school. In the future, Daystar plans to introduce Columbia University’s Reading and Writing Project to its English curriculum. For more information on US Common Core Standards or the Columbia Reading and Writing Project, visit www.corestandards.org and readingandwritingproject.com.

Last month, Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics opened a new clinic in the Financial Street area. Departments include Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Dental, Gynecology, Internal Medicine, Eye Clinic, Ear, Nose, and Throat, Dermatology, Physiotherapy, Psychological Health Center, Surgery, and Traditional Chinese Medicine, as well as on-site laboratory, pharmacy, radiology, and ultrasound facilities. Free tours are available every Friday afternoon; to find out more, email jenny.shou@ ufh.com.cn.

Mon-Sat 9am-6pm (clinic), Mon-Sat 10am-7pm (dental services). 109 Taipingqiao Avenue, Xicheng District (6621 7939)

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LIVING TALKING SHOP

Living the Dream The inspiring story of two siblings and their bakery

by Clemence Jiang

M

any people dream of owning a bakery one day, but life can easily set us on a different path. However, Hong Kong-born Stephanie and Kevin Yang (ages 16 and 12 respectively) have already turned this dream into a reality.

The siblings run a bakery called Fawn’s Sweets in the basement of Chaowai SOHO. As we surveyed the strawberry ice cream and Valrhona cake, we were shocked to discover that they were both made by the young Western Academy of Beijing (WAB) students.

Fawn’s Sweets isn’t the Yang siblings’ first venture. Six years ago after returning from a vacation in France, their parents encouraged them to open a bakery to satisfy their longing for French pastries. “We thought it was a joke,” says Stephanie, then only 10. “But when we returned to Beijing, we found ourselves looking for a place to start our business.”

Their first shop, A Piece of Cake, soon opened near WAB and catered to the school community. However, it shut down after a year when WAB required all students to take the school bus home, resulting in very little foot traffic in the afternoon. However, Kevin says “it was a great experience, and we really wanted to try again to see if we can actually achieve something.”

Their entrepreneur mom guided them through the opening of A Piece of Cake; it was only when the siblings set up Fawn’s Sweets that they took over responsibility. Kevin takes care of accounting. He calculates overhead costs, revenue, profit, and loss, and communicates with shop employees to ensure the numbers match up. Every month, he also tallies the total and makes decisions on products and pricing.

Stephanie is responsible for marketing and general management. Both participate in product development and baking.

Both siblings work at Fawn’s Sweets on weekends and bake cakes every day after school. Their driver then delivers the products to the shop to ensure freshness. They routinely check in on the phone during their lunch break and review revenue figures after school. “This is more a commitment than a hobby,” says Stephanie. “If you don’t do your homework at school, the teacher will just scold you. But here, [the business] will collapse.”

After the interview, I bought Raspberry Cheese Cake (RMB 18), Red Velvet (RMB 18), and Carrot Cake (RMB 13). As I savored the desserts, I could already picture the siblings confidently presenting Fawn’s Sweets in front of their future MBA classmates.

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photos: ken

Fawn’s Sweets 佛恩斯蛋糕店 Mon-Fri 8.30am-9pm, Sat-Sun 10.15am-7.30pm. Shop B118, Chaowai SOHO Phase II, Chaoyangmennei Xiaojie, Chaoyang District (6517 6680) 朝阳区朝内小街朝阳门SOHO2期B118店铺

BIRTHDAY BASH LIVING

Swinging from the Treetops Happy Gorilla Tree-Top Adventure is born to be wild

by Nimo Wanjau

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pened in March 2010, Happy Gorilla Tree-Top Adventure is a treetop obstacle course with a network of bridges, swings, nets, trapezes, and zip lines. Suitable for kids age 7 and up, Happy Gorillas has two locations at Chaoyang Park and Beijing Shunxin Green Resort in Shunyi. There are currently 30 activities in Shunyi and 50 activities at Chaoyang Park.

The Chaoyang Park location has three courses: junior, medium, and grand. The surrounding greenery makes the spot ideal for a birthday picnic. The courses are split into sections to make it easier to rest or head back to the starting point if necessary. It takes around two hours to complete a course. Happy Gorilla is open to kids above 1.1m for the easier courses and 1.4m for the other courses. Kids under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Harnesses, safety lines, and helmets are provided. All participants must wear closed sports shoes.

For groups, there’s a special rate of RMB 2,800 for eight kids and RMB 280 for each additional child. Prices include a choice of obstacle course, two trainers, a birthday cake, bottled water, a birthday banner and balloons, photos to be sent after the event, and a certificate of completion. The maximum number of participants is 30 people.

Parties must be booked at least three days in advance and confirmed the day before. The reservation also requires a RMB 500 deposit and carries a RMB 300 cancellation fee. Families can also bring their own supplies, food, and beverages – as long as they clean up after, of course.

Happy Gorilla Tree-Top Adventure 快乐猩猩 1) Daily 9am-6pm (summer), 9am-5pm (spring and autumn), 9am-4pm (winter). 200m inside the No.7 East Gate of Chaoyang Park, Chaoyang District (400 699 2909) 朝阳区朝阳公园东7号门 内200米; 2) 1km from the North Gate of Beijing Shunxin Green Resort, Lisui Town, Shunyi District (400-699-2909) 顺义区李遂镇 顺鑫绿色度假村内北门直行1000米即到快乐猩猩树上穿越园区

photos: nimo wanjau

Regular Prices Junior course: RMB 185/child (45 minutes to one hour), RMB 200/ adult, RMB 320/one child and one adult.

Medium course: RMB 360/one child and one adult.

Grand course: RMB 240/child, RMB 260/adult, RMB 460/one child and one adult (Chaoyang Park). RMB 180/child, RMB 220/adult, RMB 360/one child and one adult (Shunyi).

June 2014 beijingkids

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Eat Your Heart Out, Steve McQueen Jack Harman cleans up nicely text by Sijia Chen, photos by PIXSTUDIO

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Jack, before

Shu Salon 术 Daily TK. Shop G4-5, 1/F, Palm Springs Lifestyle Plaza, 8 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District (6506 1103, portraitworkbj@sina.cn) 朝阳区朝阳公园南路8号棕柯泉生活广 场1层G4-5店铺

Principle M Kunsha International Center, 16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District (6409 4356, info@principlem.com) www.principlem.com 朝阳 区新源里16号琨莎国际中心3号楼0807

“W

Indulge LIVING

hen my wife found out I was doing this, she was gutted,” says Jack Harman. “She was like ‘Hang on a minute, I’m the one who went through a pregnancy! Why do you get a makeover?’” However, there are no hard feelings when his wife Emma shows up at Shu Salon with their 2-month-old daughter, Daisy. Both Harmans are teachers at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB); Jack teaches Early Years while Emma teaches Year 3.

The couple moved to Beijing two years ago after following “the spirit of adventure” by traveling through South America for a year – a far cry from their native Plymouth, UK. “We’re both the son and daughter of sailors, so that might explain the wanderlust,” says Jack. In fact, the Harmans interviewed for DCB via Skype while still in Chile.

For the Father’s Day edition of Indulge, we added clothes to the mix by enlisting the help of Justin Kwan, image consultant and co-founder of Principle M. The company offers style advice and made-to-measure clothing for men. “I want that average guy to call us and come in for a consultation,” says Kwan. “This is a long-term relationship, so our clients can trust us to be straightforward and honest with them.”

Kwan met with Jack before the shoot to figure out his needs and get to know him better. In the process, he determined that Jack has a warmer skin tone. “That’s good because he works with children,” he says. “When you look sharp and cold, kids can actually pick up on that.

It’s possible for Jack to look smart while still being approachable.”

For the shoot, Kwan brought two polos, a couple of ties, a plaid sports coat, and light beige chinos from Principle M’s ready-to-wear line. In the end, we settle on a crisp white shirt paired with a maroon tie, the sports coat, chinos, and Jack’s brown brogues for a tidy, masculine look.

For Jack’s haircut, Shu Stylist Jaxx Yuen opts for a sleek look that is ultra-short on the sides and back, with a side part and longer hair on top – think early 20th century England. “Short is good,” says Jack.

“When you’re running after 6-year-olds all day, it can get really hot.”

As luck would have it, we have access to Yuen’s motorcycle, which photographer Dave Hanssen lights against the setting sun.

“Do a Steve McQueen!” he yells at Jack, who obliges by leaning on the motorcycle and crossing his arms. “I’m never going to live this down with the lads,” he says.

Meanwhile, Emma looks on with Daisy in her arms. “I’ve got to get a photo with my iPad and send it to his mum,” she laughs.

But between Jack’s various guises – teacher, husband, adventurer, regular guy, sartorial hero – perhaps “dad” is the most important.

While getting a haircut, he frequently cranes his neck to peek around the mirror at Emma and Daisy (“Is she all right?”). When he has a moment, Jack invariably runs over to check on the baby (“How is my bunny doing?”).

The Harmans will be moving to Singapore this summer to teach at DCB’s newest school. They’ll take with them their spirit of adventure – and a brand-new family member to share it with.

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HEALTH THE NATURAL PATH Got a question?

Dr. Melissa Rodriguez is a mom of two and a wellness consultant. She also works as a naturopath at International Medical Center.

To find out more, check out her website at www.drmelissarodriguez.com.

Just Peachy

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his time of year, Beijing is famous for peaches, which are native to China. In regions like Pingu, there are orchards filled in which families can pick baskets of this delicious fruit. Peaches are rich in Vitamin C, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, calcium and fiber. They also contain phytochemicals like beta carotene and lutein – naturally-occurring compounds found in plants that have powerful healing abilities. They can protect us against cancer, the effects of aging, and heart disease. Lycopene is an antioxidant that can help counteract the effects of pollution in our bodies. Peaches can also help digestion as well as relieve constipation and gastritis.

If you pick your own peaches, choose fruits with a fragrant smell that are slightly soft or firm, but not hard. The skin should be smooth and of various shades of pink, red, yellow or cream. Avoid green peaches.

Wash them with cool water and a gentle cleanser to remove some of the pesticide residues. Gently rub the peaches, but don’t scrub them.

The possibilities are endless. They can be eaten fresh, made into preserves, or added to peach cobbler or peach dumplings. An easy and refreshing option is to make peach iced tea, a quintessential summer treat. Here is a simple yet delicious recipe.

Tree-ripe peaches are not only delectable but also filled with nutrients 1 First, make a puree using four medium-sized peaches. Start by removing the pits and cutting them into wedges, skin on. Put them in a blender at high speed until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps. Pass the puree through a fine-meshed colander or sieve, then set it aside.

2 Then, make a fresh batch of tea using black or green tea. (If you’re making some for the kids, remember that green has less caffeine).

Use four teabags for four cups of boiling water and allow the tea to steep for ten minutes. You can also use one 1tsp of loose leaf tea per cup of water. Remove the tea bags or tea leaves.

3 While the tea is still warm, add a sweetener if desired. I prefer to use a natural unrefined sugar like demerera or honey. If your peaches are very sweet, you’ll want to add less sugar. Taste your tea first, then slowly add the sweetener to taste.

4 Combine the tea and the peach puree in a large pitcher, and stir well.

To avoid cloudy tea, allow it to cool before adding ice cubes.

5 Garnish with a couple of peach slices and a sprig of mint for an elegant and thirst-quenching drink. The final step is to enjoy.

Bottoms up!

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THE DOC IS IN HEALTH Need more info?

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

Fatherly Love

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’m thrilled that my second Father’s Day is here; I feel a mysteriously strong bond with my son Alex. “Must be the hormones,” you say. Actually, maybe it is. There’s growing body of research that shows fathers experience many of the same physiological responses to parenthood that we traditionally associate with new mothers such as an increase in oxytocin, the “love hormone.” Newer research published in Biological Psychiatry shows similar surges in new dads: “...Oxytocin was higher in mothers who provided more affectionate parenting, such as more gazing at the infant, expression of positive affect, and affectionate touch. In fathers, oxytocin was increased with more stimulatory contact, encouragement of exploration, and direction of infant attention to objects.”

“Fathers experience many of the same physiological responses to new fatherhood that we traditionally associate with new mothers” An NBC News Father’s Day article from 2013 stated that “fathers get many of the same rushes that mothers do from parenthood, but the payoff depends on proximity and interaction. For example, researchers see the effect if the child sleeps with the parents, if the father recognizes and responds to the baby’s cries, and if Dad plays with the kids. When that proximity isn’t present, the fatherhood effect isn’t as strong. There seems to be some kind of fundamental social-neurobiological framework that comes into play when fathers interact with their kids.”

Fathers also play a crucial role in challenging their children’s comfort zone, as an excellent Scientific American article shows: “A father’s predilection for training his kids to be physically tougher and more daring suggests to some researchers that fathers open kids up to new experiences to help prepare them for future life challenges. A neat bit of research from 1995 encapsulated this idea. While studying the behavior of parents who had enrolled their 1-year-olds in an infant swimming class, investigators found that fathers tended to hold their babies so they faced out into the water, whereas the mothers stood in front of their children, establishing face-to-face contact.”

Kids who have stable and involved dads are better off on nearly every cognitive, social and emotional measure researchers can devise. For instance, high levels of father involvement are associated with children who are more sociable, confident and self-controlled and less likely to act out in school or engage in risky behaviors in adolescence.

All of this research makes me even more excited to be deeply involved with raising my little Alex, and I am both humbled and honored to have such a task. Time to go play!

June 2014 beijingkids

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Amanda Barry prepares to massage her 9-month-old daughter, Evelyn

The Magic Touch Infant massage benefits both babies and parents

by Kyle Mullin

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beijingkids 2014 June

started taking her daughter Evelyn (now 9 months old) to Annette Oevermann’s infant massage classes when she was a newborn. “It’s great to have another way to help calm them, especially when you’re a sleep-deprived parent.”

Oevermann says such signs of affection don’t merely soothe young ones; touch has biological and chemical effects far more beneficial than the most cutting-edge medicines or technologies.

“During massage, the hormone oxytocin is released in the body of

photo: ken

A

manda Barry’s little girl seemed inconsolable: wailing, shrieking, fussy, and restless. Such ear-splitting crying spells can be tough for new parents to endure. Holding, cradling, or gentle patting were ineffective remedies for Barry’s cranky baby, but with a few adjustments and lessons, the new mom learned how to turn those signs of affection into soothing infant massages.

“It’s particularly satisfying when you see that she’s enjoying it. I think ‘Finally, I hit on something that the baby likes!’” says Barry, who

HEALTH both the giver and receiver. It is involved in generating loving, nurturing feelings, which help us to bond,” says Oevermann, a certified massage therapist and instructor at AO Bodywork for Babies, where she teaches parents about the benefits and techniques of infant massage.

“When your baby gets older, they smile and you can clearly interact.

But when they’re small they just seem to eat and sleep, eat and sleep, then cry,” explains Barry. “When Evelyn was a newborn, massage was a great way to help make a connection.”

Ningyi Zhang, Barry’s husband, says forging such a bond was even more crucial for him. “When Evelyn was younger, it felt like she knew her mother. After all, she was the food source,” he laughs. The physical and psychological bond afforded by breastfeeding can leave some dads feeling inferior. “For the most part, I could only play with Evelyn and it didn’t feel like that was giving me a connection with her. It didn’t feel like she needed me. But the massage helped changed that; it turned into a little ritual that built this closeness.”

Staci Ahonen, a young mother who brought her girl Camille to Oevermann’s classes as a newborn, agrees that the techniques she learned helped her bond with her daughter.

“It helped me find a new way of interacting with her. Now, at home, we can have quality time together through massage,” she says. “Since Camille is an active baby and doesn’t want to remain in one position, Annette [Oevermann] suggested I try to massage in small intervals and the areas that are accessible.”

Though there are many benefits for parents, the ones who reap the biggest rewards from infant massage are the babies themselves.

Oevermann quotes French gynecologist and obstetrician Frédérick Leboyer, the first one to introduce traditional Indian baby massage to the West: “Being touched and caressed, being massaged, is food for the infant. Food as necessary as minerals, vitamins, and proteins.”

First Things First In order to properly give infant massages, participants must first unlearn some common misconceptions. For example, Barry thought she should be rubbing her little one near the navel but Oevermann said that gentle pressure should instead be applied in a circular motion on the upper half of the tummy. Another technique has parents moving their babies’ legs in a “bicycling” circular motion to aid digestion.

Ahonen was surprised to learn that infant massage can apparently help a child’s mental development. “We learned that clapping their hands and their feet while making eye contact will help to keep them engaged in massage,” she says.

Most parents soon realize there’s more to infant massage than a few simple pats on the back. To express this, Oevermann returns to Dr. Leboyer and his study of Indian infant massage. “In some cultures, infant massage is an age-old tradition that has been handed down from mothers to daughters from generation to generation,” she says. “In the absence of such a living tradition, there are great advantages to learning from someone who learned from a qualified instructor, and stays on top of the latest research and insights in the field of infant massage.”

“There are a number of books and videos on the topic but nothing beats hands-on training,” she continues. “Being able to ask questions and receive instant feedback goes a long way [towards building] confidence and mastering a new skill or technique. Learning with others also has the benefits of finding an inspiring and supportive community, learning from the experiences of others, and exchanging ideas.”

Oevermann teaches small groups, pacing the session so that no parent or infant becomes overwhelmed. The courses consist of four one-hour sessions over four weeks in which she introduces techniques as well as the history and science behind infant massage. Oevermann also talks about adapting infant massage to the needs and interests of children as they grow older, such as adding nursery rhymes to strokes for toddlers or giving the massages after games and practices once kids start playing sports.

Fostering Trust and Communication But before going too in-depth, Oevermann teaches a few simple habits that should become second nature to anyone interested in infant massage. “An integral part of the way I teach infant massage is ‘asking permission’ from the baby before we begin,” she explains.

This requires the parent make eye contact with their baby before rubbing their hands together to give them a clue about what is about to happen, a gesture that Oevermann says infants quickly pick up on. “Babies may not talk, but we can take cues from their behavior,” she says.

Those non-verbal indications not only tell parents when their baby is ready for a massage, it also helps them learn when touch should be avoided.

“Some of the cues that say ‘Don’t give me a massage right now’ include grimacing, averting the eyes, or stiffening up,” says Oevermann.

These nuances are critical for the baby’s development. “If we intend to make nurturing touch something they welcome in their lives, we need to respect these cues and only do massage with, and never to, a baby.”

By contrast, behaviors that indicate that the baby’s ready for a massage include raised eyebrows, eye contact, smiling, giggling, gurgling, becoming still, and playful wiggling. Once the baby’s willingness has been established, parents can begin with a technique that incorporates the right amount of pressure, avoids sensitive areas, and focuses on the most responsive spots of the infant’s torso to attain maximum relief and relaxation.

“Research has shown that the best effects in baby massage are achieved with moderate pressure. If touch is feather-light, it may irritate rather than benefit,” says Oevermann.

Using the right part of your hand is just as crucial. “Flat, soft palms and fingers feel a lot more comfortable than pointed fingertips,” she adds. It’s also best not to massage the chest first because this area is easily over-stimulated.

Once parents know which spots to avoid, Oevermann teaches her students about the parts of their baby’s body that are most responsive to infant massage.

“The best place to start when beginning infant massage are the extremities, with strokes from the periphery to the center of the body being more stimulating and strokes away from the center more calming,” she says.

Depending on the baby’s level of fussiness or sleepiness, a little bit of nuance can make a world of difference. “For a bedtime massage, the most suitable [kinds of touch] are long strokes away from the heart,” she says. “Various strokes on the tummy may be very helpful for constipation, gas, and in some cases colic. Working on the feet and stroking the back are also effective with digestive issues. Gently massaging certain areas of the face can be helpful for combating congestion or alleviating the discomforts of teething.”

For father Ningyi Zhang, these immediate benefits pale in comparison to the long-term advantages of infant massage. “There are studies that suggest it’s good for the baby’s development,” he says, especially one technique in which parents help their baby touch each of their feet to the opposite hand. “When I would help Evelyn put her left hand on her right foot, it stimulated her mind, helped her understand her body, and realize that things are connected. It was a fun routine that we could both enjoy.”

Parents who are interested in taking an infant massage course can contact Annette Oevermann at annette@aobodywork.com (email her for the latest dates and times). Each session costs RMB 175 with up to two caregivers; the entire course costs RMB 700 including materials (fees to be paid at the first session). Classes take place at House of Knowledge International Kindergarten’s Victoria Gardens campus (see Directories under Schools for address).

June 2014 beijingkids

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Chimek-ing Me Crazy Finally, a family-friendly place for Korean fried chicken and beer text by Clemence Jiang, photos by PIXSTUDIO

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Zhang Ruijia (age 4, attends2014 Cehuiju Kindergarten) gobbles up a chicken leg beijingkids June

Dining Out DINING

Spicy shrimp spaghetti (RMB 68)

Crab and fishcake soup (RMB 68)

T

ell your Chinese friends you know a good place for chimek (chi means chicken and mek means beer in Korean) and they’ll very likely beg you for the address. Though available at any street corner in Seoul, this comfort food combo didn’t become popular in China until the appearance of a Korean TV show called My Love from a Star.

On streaming video website iQiyi alone, the romantic comedy has garnered 2.5 billion views since debuting in December. The show’s most famous line is: “It’s snowing outside. We should have fried chicken and beer.” (Don’t ask us why.) Thanks to the series, locals have flocked to Korean restaurants in Beijing serving chimek. One of these is Chicken Suutak’s.

Three months ago, when we visited the original location inside a residential building in Wangjing, the wait lasted two hours. There were 30 parties before us outside the tiny neighborhood eatery. However, our patience was rewarded with crispy, delicious, and extremely cheap chicken. Though we couldn’t ask for more from the food, the crowded restaurant wasn’t ideal for families with young children.

Luckily, Chicken Suutak’s has expanded with a second location at Kirin Place, a new mall next to Wangjing SOHO. The restaurant is spacious, bright, clean, and has an outdoor dining space.

Korean fried chicken is super crunchy due to its thick breading, with complex flavors from the lengthy marination process. It’s also versatile, with many types of coating – original, chili, soy sauce, hot sauce, and gochujang (chili pepper paste). If you want to avoid getting sauce all over your face, there’s also a boneless chicken option.

“Chimek” means “chicken and beer” in Korean

If you’re unsure, opt for the original flavor and experiment with the various condiments, including salsa, gochujang, Thai chutney, and ketchup. That being said, it would be a shame to miss out on the colorful and finger-licking coatings.

Like our model, many kids will love the Original Fried Chicken (RMB 45 for half, RMB 80 for a whole chicken). Our favorite was the not-too-spicy Soy Sauce Chicken Wings (RMB 45 for eight). Besides chimek, Chicken Suutak’s also has standards like bibimbap and Korean hot pot, as well as pasta and burgers for pickier eaters.

Go with friends to sample multiple flavors and find your favorite. To complete the experience, grownups can order from the extensive beer list or try makgeolli (RMB 40), a stronger carbonated version of Yunnan rice wine. There are also fresh juices and smoothies for the kids.

Chicken Suutak’s has four highchairs and a non-smoking area. The menu is in Chinese, English, and Korean. There’s a sink in the restaurant, so no need to walk all the way to the mall bathrooms (which have western toilets) to wash your hands. Delivery is also available.

Chicken Suutak’s Daily 10am-2am. B106, Building 11, Wangjing Kirin Place (next to Wangjing Soho), Fu’an Xilu, Chaoyang District (5738 9301) 朝阳区望京阜安西路麒麟新天地11号楼BF106室 (近望京SOHO)

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A Dish Best Served Cold The Justo girls make avocado soup with coconut milk photos by Moxue Zhang Photography, translation

by Angel Sun

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From left: beijingkids Hortense (age 8),2014 Isabelle, and LĂŠonore Justo (age 6) at home June

Food for Thought DINING

H

ortense, Léonore, and their mom Isabelle Justo are a tangle of limbs on the couch. Six-year-old Léonore is trying to wiggle out of Isabelle’s grasp while Hortense (age 8) is squeezing her little sister’s lips and making funny faces at the camera. When we stop to check the pictures on the photographer’s DSLR, we laugh out loud at Léonore’s grumpy old man expressions. The little girl reacts by bursting into tears, causing us all to laugh even harder. In spite of Léonore’s initial crankiness, it’s easy to sense the love and humor binding together Isabelle and her daughters. There’s evidence of the Justos’ long ties to China scattered throughout their spacious duplex: glazed teapots, paper lanterns, wicker bird cages, ceramic horses – even a traditional canopy bed in the corner of the living room. In the kitchen, the Justo girls show us how to make a chilled avocado soup. Every month, Isabelle meets with other mothers for a cooking event in which they must each make a dish containing the same ingredient; the avocado soup was the product of one of these challenges. Sijia Chen

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Ingredients 成分 Serves 3-4 as an appetizer 3-4人份的开胃小菜 Two avocadoes 两个鳄梨 150ml chicken broth, room temperature 150毫升鸡汤，室温 200ml of coconut milk 椰奶200毫升 15-30ml of green or red curry paste 15 - 30毫升绿色或红 色咖喱酱 1 clove of garlic, minced 1瓣大蒜，切碎 1 onion, chopped 1个洋葱，切碎 Lemon juice (substitute with flavored vinegar if desired) 柠檬汁（如果需要可以用调味醋代替） Plain yogurt to taste (optional) 纯酸奶味（可选）

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STEPS

1 Slice the avocadoes in half and scoop out the contents into a large bowl. 将鳄梨切成 一半，将舀出的梨肉放到一个 大碗里。

2 With an immersion blender, combine the chicken broth and the avocadoes. 将鸡汤和鳄梨 放入浸入式搅拌器中搅拌

3 Pour in the coconut milk slowly and blend the mixture some more. If it’s too liquid, add an extra avocado. 再将椰奶慢慢 倒进混合物中，继续搅拌混合 物。如果太稀，可以尝试再加 入一个鳄梨。

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4 Add one or two tablespoons of red or green curry paste depending on much spice you like; we used Aroy-D brand from Thailand. Whisk well. 可 以根据个人口味加入一或两汤 匙红色或绿色咖喱酱，搅拌 好。这里用的咖喱酱是泰国的 Aroy -D。

5 4

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Add the lemon juice, garlic, and onion. You can sauté the onion or use it raw. Combine the ingredients one last time with the immersion blender.

Add yogurt to taste, if desired.

Chill the soup in the fridge for at least two hours; it will keep for up to two days. 然后加入 柠檬汁，大蒜，洋葱。您可以 将洋葱炒后放入也可以直接使 用。最后将所有成分都放进浸 没式搅拌器中。如果喜欢的话 可 以加入一点儿酸奶调味。将 成品放入冰箱冷藏室两小时即 可享用。保质期最长两天。

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A Place in the Sun Seven Beijing restaurants with family-friendly al fresco dining

by Clemence Jiang

I

t may seem strange to talk about outdoor dining when we’re constantly checking AQI levels on our phones, but it’s precisely because blue sky days aren’t guaranteed that we should know our options ahead of time. How best to take advantage of those beautiful, clear days? Outdoor dining combines food, fun, and a chance to soak up the sun. June is ideal for sitting al fresco – it has none of July’s baking temperatures or May’s lingering coolness. Whether it’s a cup of Vietnamese coffee in a siheyuan, a barbecue with live jazz, or Sunday brunch under a glass roof, there’s something for you and your family.

Cafe Zarah Recently re-opened after a lengthy renovation, Cafe Zarah has expanded to three or four times its original size. The Gulou fixture is known for its contemporary decor and German-style breakfasts. As of press time, Cafe Zarah was still in its soft opening phase.

For now, you can get coffee, sandwiches, pasta, and a smaller breakfast selection on the first-floor restaurant and courtyard. The venue is expected to be fully completed this summer with a second-floor rooftop patio.

The owner, Zhang Lin, has a 3-year-old; as a result, the cafe is also working on a kids’ menu to better accommodate young diners and their families.

Daily 9am-midnight. 46 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng District (8403 9807) 东城区鼓楼 东大街46号

baby international 国际宝贝 This three-in-one restaurant, play center, and baby gear store has been popular with Lido families since opening late last year. Located just next to Beijing United Family Hospital, baby international is often packed with families for Sunday brunch (starting at RMB 149). Catered by a German chef with over 20 years of experience, the dishes are simple but healthy. Expect a selection of salads, German sausages, pastas, soups, and desserts. The Pirate Bay restaurant’s outdoor dining area is now open, allowing parents to kick back with a coffee (or wine) and a book in the sun while the kids burn off some energy in the pirate-themed indoor play area.

Daily 10am-9pm. 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (8450 1189/1589) 朝 阳区将台路2号（比邻和睦家医院）

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photos: ken, susu luo, courtesy of baby international

Susu 苏苏会 It’s hard at first to find this Dongsi-area restaurant, but once you do you’ll want to come back again and again. Nestled in a courtyard off Qianliang Hutong, Susu serves authentic Vietnamese fare. You’ll find delicately-balanced food made from fresh ingredients and minimal oil. Pair your meal with a selection from the drinks list or a Vietnamese iced coffee. In the summer, sit on the rooftop patio and enjoy the shade from Susu’s resident tree. Reservations are recommended; if you need a highchair, mention it on the phone.

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

Summer Special DINING Element Fresh 新元素 Since starting in Shanghai in 2002, this chain of American restaurants has been hugely popular with families. Expect consistent quality, healthy fare, friendly service, and particular attention to younger diners. The new summer menu includes the generous American Summer BBQ Pork Salad (RMB 98) and irresistible Guava Honey Juice (RMB 38/50). Enjoy a cold drink on the rooftop patio in Lido, the sidewalk seating at Solana, or on the third floor of Taikooli in Sanlitun. On smoggy days, head to the branch at Indigo Mall, which is just a glass roof away from the sun. This location also has an outdoor play area for kids.

See Directories under Family Dining for a complete list of locations.

Cafe Alba Trendy but cheap, spacious but cozy, Cafe Alba somehow works. Hutong hipsters, families, and hip young Chinese alike descend on this Gulou restaurant every weekend for brunch on the sunny rooftop terrace. The food isn’t the best we’ve ever had, but it’s inexpensive and hits the spot. Expect standards like salads, sandwiches, pasta, and extensive breakfast choices. There’s only one highchair though, so stake your claim before it starts getting busy around 1pm.

Daily 8am-1am. 70 Gulou Dongdajie (east of Nanluogu Xiang), Dongcheng District (6407 3730) 东城区鼓楼东大街70号

photos: clemence jiang, courtesy of cafe noir, xian, element fresh

Xian 仙 The trendy jazz bar rather unexpectedly transforms into a family-friendly dining venue on Fridays and Saturdays, with an outdoor patio on the ground floor, attentive service, and lots of food choices. The semi-buffet features salads, barbecue, drinks, music, and a great vibe for RMB 128 per person.

Fri-Sat 5-10pm. 1/F, EAST Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8414 9810) 酒 仙桥22号北京东隅酒店一层 Cafe Noir 浓咖啡 For those who love being surrounded by greenery, head to Cafe Noir at Traders Upper East Hotel. The recently-opened outdoor dining space is just across from the quiet, well-maintained garden behind the hotel. Linger over your meal while the kids play in the bouncy castle in the lobby or run around outside. The lunch buffet costs RMB 148 (including free-flow soft drinks) and the dinner barbecue buffet costs RMB 218 (including free-flow local beer, iced tea, and juice). Children under 12 eat for half price and children under 6 eat for free. Cafe Noir has highchairs and a changing table.

Daily 11.30am-2pm (lunch), 5.30-10pm (dinner).1/F, Traders Upper East Hotel, 2 Dongsihuan Beilu (southeast of Xiaoyun Qiao), Chaoyang District (5907 8416) 朝阳区东四环北 路2号 (霄云桥东南角)上东盛贸酒店

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Saddle Up

Three family-friendly bicycle itineraries for the summer

T

emperatures are creeping up as we rapidly approach the hottest period of the year. Despite the muggy weather, one can still enjoy blue skies and a light breeze in June.

What better way to spend the day than with a bike trip to explore some of Beijing’s most picturesque parts? For this extended edition of What’s Fun In, the editors bring you not one, not two, but three cycling itineraries. Pack some supplies, strap in the kids, grab your helmet, and go!

The Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archeology

A view of Jinchun Garden’s bridge and lake

Lush trees on Qinghua Lu

Tsinghua and Beida text and photos by Sijia Chen Start point: The Bridge Cafe, Wudaokou End point: Wudaokou or Yuanmingyuan Estimated time to complete: 3-4 hours (not counting Yuanmingyuan) Estimated distance covered: 11km (not counting Yuanmingyuan) Recommended ages: 8 and above (or younger if riding in a child’s bike seat) Recommended time to go: Weekdays in the early morning, before the sun gets too strong

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What’s Fun In PLAYING This bike trip takes you from student hub Wudaokou through the leafy and tranquil campuses of Tsinghua University and Peking University (also known as Beida). There’s always the option to visit Yuanmingyuan, or the Old Summer Palace, if you still have energy at the end of the bike ride.

Start off your day with a visit to The Bridge Cafe, a cafe and restaurant located in the Huaqing Jiayuan compound just west of Wudaokou subway. Order an Illy coffee and one of the breakfast specials (available 7.3011.30am), then sit back to watch students who flock here from nearby Tsinghua, Beida, Renmin, and other universities. It’s not the best food you’ll ever have – the portions are small and service is largely perfunctory – but The Bridge offers a cross-section of Beijing life far removed from the expat family bubble.

Every day from 4am to 8am, The Bridge offers an early bird discount of 20 percent for the entire menu. There are western-style toilets on the second floor (which is reserved for smokers), but no changing table.

When breakfast is over, head downstairs and stock up on water and snacks at the Korean market two doors up from The Bridge.

Then, get on your bike and cycle west on Chengfu Lu (成府路). Turn right on Zhongguancun Donglu (中关村东路); you’ll spot the main gate of Tsinghua University right before the turn-off for Shuangqing Lu (双清路).

Once inside the gate, turn left on Rixin Lu (日新路), then right on Xuetang Lu (学堂路).

At the intersection of Xuetang Lu and Qinghua Lu, you’ll see a massive orange building; this is the Meng Mingwei Concert Hall. Classical concerts here are open to the public, but there’s very limited English service. The main draw is the large, shaded square in front of the concert hall. Plop down on one of the benches to rehydrate and indulge in some people watching. You can also go inside for a bathroom break.

When you’re recharged, cycle west on Qinghua Lu (青华路) for about 800m, passing a large white archway on your right. Then, turn right on Jinchun Lu (近春路); you’ll soon see a peaceful lake and a bridge on your right.

This is Jinchun Garden, the site of a former imperial garden. Lock your bike next to the bridge; the kids can play along the edge of the water and spot fish here. You can sometimes see locals fishing; ask if they’ll show you their catch.

If you need a pick-me-up, cross the bridge to the islet to find Lotus Cafe. Sip an Americano (RMB 22) while keeping an eye on the kids. If you need something more substantial, there’s a Chinese restaurant called Xichuanyuan just east of Jinchun Garden on Xichun Lu (熙春路). They serve standards like braised eggplant and gongbao jiding.

When you’re done, backtrack down Jinchun Lu, turn right on Qinghua Lu, and cycle west until you get to the West Gate of Tsinghua University. Pop out the gate and head south on Zhongguancun Beidajie (中关村北大街).

Peking University East Gate subway station will appear on your right. Right next to it, you’ll see a small mobile kiosk where you can restock on water. Just next to that, there’s a small road running west; follow the row of sidewalk bike rental stands to find the East Gate of Peking University.

Go straight until you see some blue construction scaffolding on your right. Turn right and go north on the path that runs through the scaffolding; in less than 100m, the famous Boya Pagoda on the southeastern bank will appear on your right. Stop if you wish or continue cycling along the north bank of Weiming Lake.

You’ll pass the David Packer Pavilion on your right; this faculty residence was restored for the 100th anniversary of Peking University.

You can get a great view of Boya Pagoda from the north bank here. Continue along the path until you see a sign for the Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archeology.

This teaching museum was co-founded by Peking University and American psychiatrist,

The Bridge Cafe 桥咖啡 Daily 24hrs. Rm 8, Bldg 12, Huaqing Jiayuan, Chengfu Lu (west of Wudaokou subway station), Haidian District (8286 7026) 海淀区成府路五道口华清嘉园12号 楼8号（五道口城铁站西边） Tsinghua University 清华大学 Zhongguancun Donglu, Haidian District (6278 5001) 海淀区中关村东路 Meng Minwei Concert Hall 蒙民伟音乐厅 Daily 9am-7pm (box office closed on Tuesdays). Intersection of Xuetang Lu and Qinghua Lu, Tsinghua University, Haidian District (6278 1984) 海淀区清华大学学院 内学堂路和清华路十字路口 Jinchun Garden 近春园 Jin Lu (inside Tsinghua University), Haidian District (6278 3074) 海淀区成府路西 春路（清华大学校园内） Lotus Cafe 荷塘月色咖啡店 Jinchun Garden Islet, Tsinghua University Campus, Haidian District (6279 8288) 海 淀区清华大学校园内近春园小岛内

STO

philanthropist, and collector Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987). The permanent collection spans a period of 280,000 years, from Paleolithic stone tools to intricately carved objects from the 17th century. The museum offers a welcome respite from the heat, with English introductions for most of the exhibits.

There are also clean, western-style toilets here. Note that you’ll need your passport for admission.

If you still have energy – and for that, we salute you – cycle north to Yuanmingyuan.

Though largely reconstructed, the Old Summer Palace was where Qing Dynasty emperors lived and dealt with government business.

Known in Chinese as “the Garden of Gardens,” Yuanmingyuan is renowned for the lush lotus pool that blooms in early summer.

If you’re not up for it, backtrack to the East Gate of Peking University, go south on Zhongguancun Beidajie, and turn left on Chengfu Lu. Cycle east until you’re back in central Wudaokou. You’ll probably want a bite to eat before you go home. Keep going east, turn left on Wangzhuang Lu, and pick any of the Korean barbecue restaurants on the road or head to student favorites Isshin, Sugar Shack, or Lush on Chengfu Lu.

Peking University (East Gate) Zhongguancun Beidajie (near Peking University East Gate subway station), Haidian District (6275 2114) 海淀区中关村北大街 （近北京大学东门地铁站） Arthur M. Sackler Museum of Art and Archeology 北京大学赛克勒考古 与艺术博物馆 Free. Daily 9am-4.30pm. Near West Gate of Peking University, Haidian District (6275 9784) 海淀区近北京大学西门 Isshin Sun-Thu 11am-2pm, 5-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-2pm, 5-11pm. 35 Chengfu Lu (30m north of traffic lights next to Wudaokou subway), Haidian District (8261 0136) 海 淀区城府路35号院（五道口城铁站旁信号 灯往北30米路西院内） Sugar Shack Daily 10am-1am. B1/F, Bldg 12, Huaqing Jiayuan, Chengfu Lu, Haidian District (8286 6240/54) sugarshackpizza.com 华 海淀区成府路清嘉园12号楼地下1层 Lush Daily 24hrs. 2/F, Bldg 1, Huaqing Jiayuan, Chengfu Lu, Haidian District (8286 3566) www.lushbeijing.com海淀区成府路华清 嘉园1号楼2层

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The Drum Tower

Fisherman on the banks of Houhai

Shrine at Hutong Pizza

Houhai and Qianhai

by Aisling O’Brien

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A cluster of man-made and idealized lakes range west to northwest of the Forbidden City: Beihai (北海 or “North Lake”), Qianhai (前海 or “Front Lake”), Houhai (后海 or “Back Lake”), and Xihai (西海 or “West Lake”). Of these, Houhai and Qianhai are the most suitable for exploration by bike. Beihai is accessible only on foot, while Xihai lacks the attractions of its easterly sisters. There’s perhaps no more scenic route to cycle in Beijing; in addition to flawless lakeside scenery, this trip also encompasses short jaunts through some of the nearby hutongs.

Begin your trip at Zhonglou Vegetable Market north of the Bell Tower on Doufuchi Hutong (豆腐池胡同). The entrance to the market can be difficult to spot – it’s a large, unassuming doorway accessible by a few steps on the north-facing wall of the hutong. Inside, alongside the grocers selling fruits, nuts, and vegetables, you’ll find a mini-mart with cold drinks and a shaobing vendor (shaobing is a crispy, multi-layered and sesame-encrusted

Photo: Courtesy of DaviD Stanley (FLICKR)

Start point: Zhonglou Vegetable Market north of the Bell Tower (Doufuchi Hutong) End point: Huode Zhengjun Temple Estimated time to complete: 4-6 hours Estimated distance covered: 7km Recommended ages: 10 and up or younger if riding in a child’s bike seat Recommended time to go: Weekdays. It’s just too crowded on weekends.

Entrance of 4corners

What’s Fun In PLAYING type of flatbread). This is the perfect place to stock up on refreshments for the day ahead.

Unfortunately, the pedestrian area between the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower has been torn up for restoration. Cycle south along Zhonglouwan Hutong (钟楼湾胡同) past the construction works to the north side of the Drum Tower. The daily drumming performances are particularly recommended for kids. Catch one hourly on the half hour.

Leaving the Drum Tower, cycle west along Gulou Dajie (鼓楼大街). Take the first hutong on your left: Dashibei Hutong (大石碑胡同).

The entrance is tricky to spot; it’s literally just a gap in the grey hutong walls. Follow the lane as it curves left and eastward.

On your left you’ll find 4corners, a Vietnamese restaurant with multiple dining spaces, including a glass-encased rooftop dining room with views over the nearby hutongs and a small outdoor courtyard space with shade provided by trees and parasols. Depending on when you set out, this makes for either a good lunch or snack location. Split the Chay Summer Roll (RMB 28), a satay-smeared rice wrapper packed full of noodles, tofu, and vegetables, or the Banh Mi Chay (RMB 30), a baguette sandwich stuffed with chive omelet and soft cheese, and served with a spicy dipping sauce.

Kids will love the restaurant’s Singh to, a kind of milkshake made with ice, condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Flavors include mango, coconut, and banana (RMB 30).

Leaving the restaurant, turn immediately right and south along Xiaoshibei Hutong (小石碑胡同). Cycle to the end of the laneway, which will pop you out at Yinding Qiao (银锭桥), the bridge that spans the narrows between Houhai and Qianhai. Don’t cross it; instead, turn right again on Houhai Beiyan (后海北沿) and cycle west along the northern shore of Houhai, away from the madding crowds.

About 300m west, you’ll find an outdoor people’s gym, a fine spot to rest, picnic, or play. Child-friendly equipment includes monkey bars and ping pong tables. In front of this dappled area, you’re sure to see the first of many Houhai fishermen dotted along the water’s edge.

Just west of the exercise area is a jetty with pedal and battery boats for rent (open from 9am to midnight daily). Kids are sure to enjoy the battery-powered yellow duck boats, suitable for up to four people (RMB 200 per hour, RMB 600 deposit required).

Continue cycling west to the Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling, wife of Sun Yat-sen, the founder of modern China.

On weekends, the picturesque grounds are overrun with brides and beauties out-posing each other – one more reason to take this trip on a weekday! This pleasant shaded area is landscaped to showcase all the classical

elements of a Chinese garden; there are also ducks, doves, and pigeons, and a swing set.

Get back on your bicycles, round the northwest corner of the lake. You’ll find Houhai Park (后海公园), another good picnic site. A little further on is the Family Fu’s Teahouse. The original location is currently under restoration, and the family has set up shop 50m further south. Here you’ll find a tranquil and relaxing venue for a tea ceremony. A bottomless pot of new-season longjing served with cookies, nuts, and other traditional snacks starts at RMB 80. Keep an eye out for the Fu family matriarch, who is both endlessly curious about others and fascinating in her own right. She speaks excellent English.

Leaving Fu’s, you can either carry your bike down the steps to the lakefront path (be advised it is narrow and can be crowded) or ride southeast one street back on Yangfang Hutong (羊房胡同). Both routes will bring you onto Houhai Nanyan (后海南沿). When you reach Yinding Qiao again, stay on the south side and turn right immediately at the bridge, and then take the first left onto Yindingqiao Hutong (银锭桥胡同).

On the corner, you’ll find Café De Sofa.

Its rooftop terrace affords views of the lake, and the menu has a good selection of childfriendly western food: sandwiches (from RMB 48), pastas (RMB 56), French fries (RMB 32), and sweet and savory waffles (RMB 52).

Café De Sofa also has a wide variety of iced teas and coffees (from RMB 26).

Alternatively, to get a pizza pie at the much-vaunted Hutong Pizza, ride south to the t-junction and turn right. As well as the 28 trademark square pizzas on offer, you’ll also find a range of pastas, snacks, deserts and drinks.

Retrace your path back to the lake and head southeast once more. When you reach Lotus Market Marina, either lock up your bikes to enter this pedestrian area on foot, or circumvent it by taking Qianhaixi Dajie (前海西 大街) south to Di’anmen Xidajie (地安门西大 街). Dismount here, turn left and walk 200m east along the northern side of Di’anmen Xi Dajie, crossing the causeway that separates Qianhai and Beihai.

Once you’ve forded the lake, remount your bicycles and take the next left heading north on Qianhai Nanyan (前海南沿). About 250m along the lake, you’ll cross a humpback bridge and find Huode Zhenjun Temple, or the Fire God Temple on your right. An important Taoist site, it dates from the seventh century AD. The god’s effigies are vibrant and fearsome, surrounded by offerings of fruits and incense, and the English-speaking monks will happily show you and your children how to kowtow respectfully to the impressive statues.

If the fire god and cycle have raised your temperatures, double back over the bridge

and find Ailunka Italian Ice Cream Parlor immediately facing you on the southern side.

As well as child-friendly strawberry, vanilla, and chocolate, you’ll also find more grown up flavors like pistachio and mandorla. RMB 15 for one scoop, RMB 25 for two.

STO Zhonglou Vegetable Market 钟楼菜市场 Daily 9am-7pm. Doufuchi Hutong, Dongcheng District 东城区旧鼓楼大街豆 腐池胡同洪恩观

PS

Drum Tower 鼓楼 Entrance is RMB 20, or buy tickets to both it and the Bell Tower for RMB 30.

Half-price tickets available for students, free for children under 1.2m. Daily 9am5pm. Gulou Dajie, Dongcheng District 西 城区鼓楼大街 4corners 四角餐厅 Sun-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11am-late.

27 Dashibei Hutong (near west end of Yandai Xiejie), Xicheng District (6401 7797) 东城区大石碑胡同27号（烟袋斜 街西口附近） Former Residence of Soong Ching-ling 宋庆龄故居 RMB 20 for adults, RMB 5 for students, free for children under 1.2m. Daily 9am5.30pm (summer). 46 Houhai Beiyan, Xicheng District 西城区后海北雁46号 Family Fu’s Teahouse 茶家傅茶艺馆 Daily 10:30am-midnight. Houhai Xibei An (northwest side of Houhai, next to Kong Yiji), Xicheng District (6616 0725) 西城 区后海的西北 Café De Sofa Tue-Sun 11am-midnight. 12 Yindingqiao Hutong (south of Yindingqiao Bridge), Xicheng District, Xicheng District (62032905) 西城区西城区银锭桥胡同12 号（银锭桥南） Hutong Pizza Daily 11am-11pm. 9 Yindingqiao Hutong, Xicheng District (8322 8916) 西城区银锭 桥胡同9号 Huode Zhenjun Temple 火德真君庙 Daily 9am-5pm. Qianhai dongyan, Xicheng District 西城区东阳市前海 Ailunka Italian Ice Cream Parlor 爱 伦咖意大利手工冰激凌 Daily 11am-11pm. 2 Qianhai Nanyan, Xicheng District (136 0131 0426) 西城 区前海南沿2号

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Hegezhuang text and photos by Nimo Wanjau

Start point: Modern House End point: New York Style Pizza Estimated time to complete: 3-4 hours Estimated distance covered: 15km Recommended ages: 12 and up Recommended time to go: Weekends, especially mornings

Red Brick Museum

Despite the lavish villa compounds and well-manicured school grounds, the border of Chaoyang District and Shunyi District still has relatively untouched stretches of countryside.

Some of the buildings are abandoned while others await destruction. The roads around this area are paved and good enough to ride on; some are wide enough for bike lanes while others require a little jostling for space with cars.

The route from Modern House next to the Crowne Plaza Airport Beijing to Hegezhuang and back stops at Pinotage Plaza, Equuleus International Riding Club, Art Base-1, The Orchard and Green T. House Living, the Scitech Mall for some window shopping, Houweigou, and New York Style Pizza. If you get tired at any point of the journey, you can always turn back.

It’s a good idea to pack a first aid kit, water, sun block, a basic bike repair kit, and sufficient cash. If you want to go to Equuleus, find out if the stables will be open to visitors at your estimated arrival time.

Starting off at villa compound Modern House (also known as Rainbow Garden), cycle west on Tianbei Lu (天北路) until you reach the intersection of Jingmi Lu (京密路). Cross the street and turn left. There is a designated bike lane on Jingmi Lu, but remain alert as some cars don’t keep to their lane.

You will pass a set of traffic lights, then a bridge while on Jingmi Lu. There will be a paved road immediately after the bridge on your right. Don’t turn here, but after the second set of traffic lights. When you see Beidong Flower Market on your right, turn right on Shunhuang Lu (顺黄路).

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About 300m on the left, you’ll find Dalishi Oil Station. Before going too far, it’s a good idea to check your tire pressure. The meter read 100psi for my city bike, which was OK since most roads are paved. About 100m from the station on the right side of Shunhuang Lu, you’ll see Pinotage Plaza. This is a good place to go to the bathroom, as there will be no other stops until you reach Hegezhuang.

On the right side of the road, you’ll pass Cathay Courtyard, a conference center and a nice spot to take photos. On the left, there’s construction going on so beware of the trucks on the road. When you get to a Y-intersection, turn left on Xigou Lu (西沟路). This is a narrow road with loads of construction on the weekdays, but less on the weekends. There’s a section full of flora to the right, but it’s mostly marshland and not suitable for a picnic.

Cycle around 1.5km on Xigou Lu; you’ll reach a T-intersection. Turn right on to Shunbai Lu. This is the road that will take you all the way to Hegezhuang.

Equuleus is on the right of Shunbai Lu across from the Maquanying town gate, which will be on your left. You’ll recognize it by the sign saying “horse passing” about 50m before.

If this isn’t of interest, cycle onwards until you reach the intersection of Maquanying Xilu (马 泉营西路) and Shunbai Lu. The Orchard will be the first restaurant on your left, about 700m past the intersection.

Though the favorite of many families, it’s not the only dining option. Around 200m from The Orchard’s main gate, you’ll find a new threestory building that houses Summer Lotus Japanese restaurant and Aux Delices coffee shop. On the third floor, there’s an art gallery;

if you’re in the mood to shop for RMB 40,000 pieces of art then you’re in the right place.

If none of these restaurants strike your fancy, cycle 1km west to the Art Base-1 intersection and turn right. Cycle until you see the sign for Green T. House Living and 318 Art Houses. Continue on the narrow, paved road until you reach a gravel road. You’ll find the entrance to Green T. House Living here.

At Art Base-1, you can view an art exhibition at Found Museum near Green T. House Living.

The other option is Red Brick Contemporary Museum just opposite The Orchard.

Both are open from Tuesday to Sunday. You can pick up some pastries at Helen Sun, which is on the same lane as the Red Brick Museum.

Cycle west towards Maquanying Xilu to reach Beijing Scitech Premium Outlet Mall, which will be on your left. Lock up at one of the numerous bike stands and head to the shops. Though most of them sell designer clothes from brands like Ralph Lauren and Coach, you can also find a decent selection of outdoor and sports brands like North Face, Nike, and Adidas. You can also stop for some food or a coffee at Starbucks. This is also a good time to use the restroom.

Afterwards, head east from the bus stop in the mall on Maquanying Xilu, cycle to the intersection, and turn right on Shunbai Lu if you wish to go back using the same route.

For an alternative path, cycle towards Xiangjiang Beilu (香江北路) using the side entrance of the Scitech Mall. You’ll pass the Beijing Riviera compound on your left. In about 500m, there’s a service road that will lead you to Shunbai Lu.

What’s Fun In PLAYING

The Found Museum near Art Base-1

Sci-Tech Outlets

You’ll soon see Cathy View Plaza. Pick up water and refreshments from DD’s Market or pastries from Le Baker if you didn’t get any at Helen Sun. After stocking up on refreshments, head east on Xiangjiang Zhonglu (香江中路) until you see Grand Hills. Go through the tunnel next to the compound. Turn left at the end of the tunnel on Kangying Nanlu (康营南 路). On the left side of the road, you’ll see numerous high-rise buildings and an open-air market. Continue cycling until you reach the intersection of Kangying Donglu (康营东路) and turn right.

After 300m, you’ll see a gas station on the right called Houweigou. There’s a roundabout with three exits; take the Dongwei Lu (东苇路) exit, go through the underpass tunnel, and turn left at the intersection to get on to Capital Airport Expressway service road. Head east towards the airport.

After 200m, dismount and head down a slight hill to a picnic site in the Houweigou area. This spot is popular for wedding photos. After relaxing here, continue cycling east by getting on the cobbled path by the road.

After you pass a bridge, turn east on to Baisi Lu (白泗路). After 400m, you’ll get to a Y-intersection near Dulwich College Beijing (DCB); turn left on Yuyang Lu (榆阳路).

Pass DCB, Merlin Champagne Villas, and Chateau Regalia Golf Club until you reach a T-intersection. Turn right on Huayuan Sijie (花园四街). Cycle east until you get to Wenyu Plaza to grab dinner at New York Style Pizza. Congratulations! You’ve just explored Shunyi.

STO

PS

Pinotage Plaza Mon-Fri 11.30am-2pm and 5.30-9pm, Sat-Sun 11am-10pm. Inside Chuangyi Yuan, 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 Beijing Equuleus International Riding Club 天星调良国际马术俱乐部 Tue-Sun 8am-noon and 2-6pm. 91 Shunbai Lu, Sunhe Town (north of and parallel to Xiang Jiang Beilu), Chaoyang District (6432 4947) 朝阳区孙河镇顺白路91号 香江北路北

Village, Cuigezhuang Town, Chaoyang District (134 2645 1523) 朝阳区崔各庄 乡何各庄村 Beijing Scitech Premium Outlet Mall 北京赛特奥莱 Daily10am-10pm. 28 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District (8435 7880) 朝阳区 香江北路28号 Le Baker Cathay View Plaza, 2A Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District (8430 8602, 182 0100 5999) 朝阳区香江北路甲2号观唐广场内

The Orchard 果园西餐厅 Tu e - S u n n o o n - 2 . 3 0 p m ( l u n c h ) , 6-9pm (dinner). Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Town, Chaoyang District (6433 6270) 朝阳区崔各庄乡何各庄村

Found Museum Tue-Sun 9am-5.30pm. Art Base-1, Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Township, Chaoyang District (6433 7617) 朝阳 区崔各庄乡何各庄村1号地艺术区

Art Base 1 一号地国际艺术区 Daily 10am-7pm. Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang Town, Chaoyang District (6433 6920) 顺义区崔各庄镇和各庄村

Summer Lotus Japanese Cuisine 夏莲朵和式料理 Daily 10am-2pm and 5-9pm. Bldg 5, Hegezhuang, Shunbai Lu, Chaoyang District (5350 9898) 朝阳区何各庄5号 顺白路何各庄果园西餐厅西侧20米红砖 当代美术馆斜对面

Green T. House Living 紫云轩茶事 Daily 11.30am-11.30pm. 318 Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District (8456 4922 ext 8, 136 0113 7132) 朝阳 区崔各庄乡合各庄村318号 Red Brick Contemporary Art Museum 红砖当代美术馆 Tue-Sun 10am-5.30pm. Hegezhuang

Helen Sun Daily 8am-8pm. 2 Hegezhuang Guangchang, Hegezhuang, Shunbai lu, Chaoyang District (5130 1900) www.helensun.com.cn 朝阳区顺白路何各 庄壹号地艺术区曹继桐烘焙艺术馆

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Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park Solana has three fountains: one at the entrance in front of Starbucks and Coldstone Creamery and two in front of Zara. The two larger fountains are blocked off to prevent kids from getting in the water, but the smaller one is reserved for play. At night, the main fountain in the plaza out front features a water show with colorful lights and music.

Fountains of Youth

The best places to cool down in Beijing text by Yvette Ferrari photos by Christopher Lay, Jair Pardales, Indigo Mall, and Tai Koo Li

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or those who are staying in Beijing, school is almost out and the question is upon us again: What’s something fun to do for all those hot days ahead of us? For children, there’s something special about splashing around in the water during the summertime.

Whether it’s a blow-up pool or a sprinkler in the backyard, water play is a simple pleasure. Many of us may not have the luxury of backyards – or even bathtubs – but what we do have is fountains. Lots of them.

If you’re feeling particularly daring, why not take a run through the water yourself? Just don’t forget to pack a change of clothes for both you and the kids.

Indigo Mall Indigo Mall recently opened an outdoor garden and park on the east side of the building behind Blue Frog and Element Fresh, and with it, a brand new fountain.

It features discreet nozzles that shoot out streams of water at varying heights.

A playground is due to open soon next to the garden, though no dates have been released. Indigo is home to numerous stores and restaurants, including Counting Sheep, Kidsland, and Hercules.

Resources

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Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park 蓝色港湾 Daily 10am-10pm. 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District (5905 6565/68) www.solana.com.cn/english/web/ index.asp 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区

Indigo Mall 颐堤港 Daily 10am-10pm. 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District (8426 0898) www.indigobeijing.com 朝阳区酒仙桥路18号

Outside PLAYING Taikoo Li South We can’t write about fountains in Beijing without mentioning Taikoo Li South in Sanlitun.

Formerly known as The Village, Taikoo Li has one of the most recognizable fountains in the city. The wide, open space adjacent to Starbucks and the Apple Store is great for playing in as jets spurt water high into the air. Taikoo Li also has tons of restaurants and shops to choose from. Families can also visit bookstore Page One, or catch a movie at Megabox Cinema located in the basement. For a bite to eat, Element Fresh, Wagas, and Blue Frog are all located upstairs on the third floor.

Wangjing SOHO Wangjing SOHO, the newest addition to the SOHO empire, has a huge fountain located on the north side of Tower 1.

Stroll along the perimeter of the building and through the small garden path to reach it. Wangjing SOHO is also great for kids on wheels. The pavement provides a smooth surface for skateboards, scooters, and rollerblades. However, at the time of print, both Tower 3 and the park to the south were still under construction, and restaurants and adjoining businesses weren’t open yet. Until then, cross the street to find a Seven-Eleven, Costa Coffee, Obentos, Zoo Café, and Burger King.

Galaxy SOHO With a futuristic style usually reserved for sci-fi films, Galaxy SOHO has kid-friendly fountains complete with water archways, mist, and light features. There’s also space for parents to sit down, making the location an ideal spot to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee from Santorini Coffee or Pacific Coffee Company while the kids cool off on a hot afternoon. However, note that the relatively new SOHO complex has otherwise limited dining options. If you’re in need of a bite to eat, fortunately, Raffles Mall, Oriental Plaza, and Ritan International Hotel are all close by – if you can manage to tear the kids away from the fountains, that is.

Taikoo Li Sanlitun 三里屯 Daily 10am-10pm. Sanlitun Village, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District (6417 6110) www. taikoolisanlitun.com 朝阳区三里屯路19号

Wangjing SOHO 望京SOHO 10 Wangjing Jie, Chaoyang District (400 815 9888) wangjingsoho.sohochina.com/en 朝阳区望京街10号

Galaxy SOHO 2 Nanzhugan Hutong, Chaoyangmennei Dajie, Dongcheng District (8610-5957) galaxysoho.sohochina.com/en 东城区朝阳 门内大街南竹杆胡同2号

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Travelers: Kerry Driver, her husband David Hoffman, and their sons Duke (age 6) and Kam (age 5), who attend Beijing City International School (BCIS).

Destination: Hainan, China Dates: March-April 2014 Travel plans: The Driver-Hoffman family flew to Sanya from Beijing with Air China and stayed at the Marriot Renaissance Resort in Haitang Bay. They booked their flights through eTravel but arranged their hotel booking and transportation independently.

Cost: Flights were more expensive than usual because the holiday overlapped with Qing Ming. Driver and Hoffman’s economy class flights cost RMB 3,470 per person while airfare for Duke and Kam cost RMB 2,320 per person. Their oceanfront room was RMB 850 per night for the first four nights, rising to RMB 1,050 for the final three nights due to holiday rates and Hoffman’s arrival. The rate included breakfast buffet for two people; each additional person cost RMB 100. Additional food and drinks at the hotel came to RMB 3,000 for the week. A 90minute massage at the hotel was a worthwhile splurge at RMB 800. Lunch at a seafood restaurant near Monkey Island came to RMB 118, while lunch at seafood market in Sanya city cost only RMB 380 (1 adult, 2 children). A fresh seafood dinner at a restaurant down the beach from the Renaissance came to RMB 500 (2 adults, 2 children).

Foosball before dinner

Kerry and Kam in a cabana

Isle of the South Sea The Hoffman-Driver family visits Hainan

by Kerry Driver

David and sons enjoying the pool

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Kam with parrots

photos: courtesy of kerry driver

Duke holds a baby monkey

FAMILY TRAVELS PLAYING

Brothers Duke (age 6) and Kam (age 5) monkeying around

W

hat I loved most about the trip was the simplicity of it. Flights were short enough to allow David to join us for a few days since his work schedule didn’t allow him to come for the whole trip. We love family trips in China, but this one was so much more relaxing than our usual domestic adventures because we didn’t do much trekking – the pool and the beach were enough to keep us 100 percent happy on most days.

My husband and I have been traveling with our two boys since they were tiny babies, but this trip was the first family holiday we’ve taken where the kids and the parents had the same agendas. We were all happy to sleep late, swim and play all day, and eat dinner after sundown.

Sanya’s airport is open air like the one we fly into when going home to Hawaii. I love that feeling of instant relaxation when the warm humid air hits you as you get off the plane. The drive to Haitang Bay from the Sanya airport was a bit depressing – too many huge, empty “ghost complexes” of condo units. But our first impression of the Renaissance was great; it’s a wonderful resort with helpful staff. The location, grounds, and facilities were excellent. The pool is suitable for young kids, but would’ve been better if there were a lifeguard on duty.

We really enjoyed hanging out by the pool and on the beach, but after a few days we wanted something new. We asked the hotel to help us book a driver to take us to Monkey Island, a tourist destination near Haitang Bay. We speak Chinese, so we were able to reserve a local car and driver rather than the hotel car, which would have been significantly more expensive. The price for half a day was RMB 400, which was only slightly more expensive than two one-way fees. The driver took us by a grocery store on the way back to the hotel so we could stock up on some fruits, snacks, and simple foods, which provided

us with a nice break from the hotel restaurants.

We called the same driver again a few days later to take us to the Li Minority Village in the mountains near Sanya. This tourist village was well done, with lots of quiet areas to explore. The kids really enjoyed the shows and interacting with the animals. The village charges an entrance fee, with small extra charges once you’re inside for activities like bird feeding (RMB 10). Like Monkey Island, its best to let your driver or tour guide purchase the tickets because they get credit for bringing you there and receive a slight discount.

There was one beachside seafood restaurant that was not part of the resort but just a short walk down the beach. It had great fish at very decent prices, more casual than the resort restaurants, and therefore more fun to go with kids.

Travel Tips • I recommend eTravel for booking flights, as they have excellent customer service.

• The prices for flights, hotel rooms, and meals go up a lot during Chinese national holidays and everywhere is a lot more crowded.

If possible, go to Hainan during the off season.

• Be sure to take down the phone number and address of your hotel in Chinese, because there are many with similar names.

• If you’re visiting the attractions mentioned here, make sure the car has seatbelts; driving can be erratic on coastal highways and mountain roads.

• Pack your favorite snacks or food staples if you don’t have a kitchen and don’t want to eat out for all three meals. Local grocery stores don’t stock things like peanut butter.

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High

Gear

An overnight camping trip on the Great Wall text and photo by Nimo Wanjau

S

ince coming to China four years ago, I had a yearning to go camping but could never find the time. I was envious of some of our friends who had camped the Great Wall, so I jumped at the chance to camp for beijingkids.

In early May, I joined an overnight camping trip with China Hiking to Long Valley Castle Great Wall, around 7km past Badaling. This was advertised as a 15km hike to an altitude of about 1,400m.

Founded by Heidi Liu seven years ago, China Hiking is now run by Liu and her partner Frederik Halewyck. They alternate between two hikes and two camping trips each week.

The excursions are child-friendly; Halewyck told me that he once took a group of 40 teens up the Great Wall – one of the hardest things he has ever done.

On the morning of the hike, we met at Jiangguomen subway at 9.30am. Our group consisted of both tourists and expats. The former were backpackers from Hong Kong and South Korea. The Hong Kong party included four friends who put the two-day excursion

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on their itinerary based on a word-of-mouth recommendation. Only one person among the locals, a freelance writer, had been on the camping trip before. As we hiked, he recounted stories from his travels in China.

This time, Halewyck shared guide duties with a man named Jan Robben. Usually, Liu and Halewyck take turns leading trips; Robben started working with them this year.

We got into a van, picked up one more person along the way, and drove for two hours.

We arrived at a quaint little village where we stopped for lunch; it was also the starting point for our hike.

Some of us wanted to do a little exploring while we waited for the food, but rain nixed this plan. There were some murmurs of concern after we glimpsed flashes of lightning, but the rain stopped by the time our Chinese meal was served. The sun was out again by the time we finished eating.

Before the hike, each person received a dinner of fried pork noodles from the restaurant and an almond pastry for breakfast.

The first 400m were a steep climb on a very

narrow path. We reached the Great Wall about 45 minutes later. There were many loose rocks and bricks; to get through some of the steeper sections, we detoured through the bushes on the side.

At the top, we had a wonderful 360-degree view of the surroundings. We could see the village where we set off, the path of our ascent, and lush green mountains all around us.

After a ten-minute break, we set off on the next leg of our hike.

In four hours, we reached the campsite.

It was a bit windy by this time – albeit still sunny – and there was dust blowing in our direction. Luckily, it took only 15 minutes to pitch the tents with everyone’s help.

The campsite was located at the base of slope with a guard tower nearby. The area was leveled by the villagers, who continue to maintain it. We set up camp away from the wall but close to each other. Closer to the wall, there was a campfire with logs for seating.

Feeling accomplished, we asked Halewyck if we’d covered 15km as planned. He replied that we’d only done 8km and that, due to the

weekend warrior

winds, it would be impossible to set up camp at the planned destination.

It got pretty cold with the wind; I quickly put on the fleeces and warm cap I’d packed.

Before retreating to our tents, we explored other parts of the Great Wall. About 20m away from the campsite, there are makeshift pits that you can use when nature calls.

When the wind become too strong, we took refuge in our tents. Inside, our sleeping mats and backpacks were covered in dust. Though we shook them out outside, they were covered in dust again within five minutes – along with ourselves. This made eating a rushed and challenging proposition. After talking through the cracks in our tents for a while, we finally fell asleep.

At one point during the night, the wind blew our flysheet wide open, sending a cloud of dust through our tent. It took nearly 30 minutes to close the zipper. A quick dash to the “bathroom” two hours later resulted in us having to fix the zip again for 45 minutes.

Around 7.30am, we answered the morning call for coffee by drinking quickly in case it

became cold from the wind. After breakfast, we took down the tents, collected all the trash, then took photos for posterity. The descent only took about 30 minutes, but we had to watch out for loose rocks on the path. I fell down in slow motion – one of the highlights of my trip.

The van was waiting for us at the foot of the mountain. We unpacked and emptied the backpacks borrowed from China Hiking.

PLAYING

We were dropped off at Yonghegong Lama Temple, but you can arrange beforehand to be let off anywhere along the way.

My only regret is that the high winds made it impossible to indulge in one important camping ritual: roasting marshmallows. Despite being sore for days, I will be going camping again just to eat marshmallows and feel that my Great Wall camping experience is complete.

Hiking Tips • On the day before the excursion, check the weather report. Some hiking companies charge a late cancellation fee, so notify them well ahead of time if your plans change.

• China Hiking’s hikes are suitable for ages 6 and up, or younger if the children’s parents carry them. However, that may not be true for all hiking companies; for example, Beijing Hikers’ excursions are suited to ages 10 and up.

• Pack light. China Hiking provides sleeping bags, tents, some food, and even backpacks if necessary.

• We recommend taking energy bars, sufficient water, allergy medication if needed, layers for the summit, sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and wet wipes.

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Daystar Doing

Good

Students visit Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village

by Ella Smith

Y

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boys planned the theater and everyone else added to it. Rose Guo brought snacks every single day. Elaine Yang made and sold at least 50 bracelets. All the girls were busy packaging popcorn and the boys were busy trying to eat all the salt meant for the popcorn. Everyone who wasn’t doing something helped out by cutting tickets. Drinks were brought in by Andy An and Stefan Luca. I brought two pizzas.

We started selling tickets the week before the event. On the first day, it was kind of slow. The next day, a lot more people came. The first day was a little bit hard to handle but on the second day it got easier. On the day of the fundraiser, everyone was so nervous, happy, and excited because we didn’t know if it would work out. On the third day, everyone was starting to get tired but we still tried our best.

By the end of the fourth and final day, we had raised RMB 8,565 with the support of our whole school. Our original goal was RMB 4,250.

We were very proud of this success!

Ms. Weeks then received the list of needs from SFCV. Then she, a girl called Dorothy Asiedu and I went shopping. The next step was to plan the visit.

On Thursday, April 24 at 8.30am, my class headed to SFCV. The only problem is that the orphanage is far from our school – all the way in Longfang, Tianjin. To make things worse, it was raining that morning and so there was a lot of traffic. At first, we were all quiet; then we were like normal kids on a bus asking, “How much longer?” But we were well-behaved, especially since Mr. Bayley, our school director, joined us for the trip.

When we finally arrived at the orphanage, Chrissy Kelly and Joanna Rae Candy from SCFV met us. The orphanage was very nice and large;

photos: courtesy of daystar

ou can say that I’ve been around charity work since I was adopted at age 1. My dad worked for Special Olympics International for over 20 years; he and my mom were in charge of Special Olympics in China for many years. Since 2010, my dad has been with Orbis International, a blindness prevention NGO with a really cool Flying Eye Hospital. Did you know that 80 percent of blindness cases can be prevented or cured?

Everyone in my family is also a huge hockey fan. Both my brothers played in the youth and adult leagues in Beijing. We take part in the annual Hockey Night in Beijing (HNIB) event; that’s how we came to know about Shepherd’s Field Children’s Village (SFCV), as it was the charity for HNIB 2013.

Before HNIB, I did a drive for donations such as diapers, food, and everyday needs like cooking oil, batteries, and cleaning supplies. At HNIB itself, I helped with kid’s activities such as temporary tattoos, face painting, and the bouncy castle. As my mom said, “It was a win-win.”

We had so much fun and at the same time helped SFCV children.

This year when my Grade 4 teacher at Daystar Academy, Ms. Weeks, asked our class about doing a community service project, I jumped out of my seat and said: “How about SFCV?” She asked me for more background, so my mom and I introduced her to the SFCV staff, who told her about this orphanage for special needs children.

After Ms. Weeks shared the information with the class, everyone was in 100 percent agreement to help them. Right away, we started brainstorming what kind of fundraiser to do.

We came up with many ideas, but a boy called Julien Glauser thought about creating a movie theater. Everyone loved this idea. A group of

Day Tripper PLAYING

Disabled kids just want the same things as you and me: to have friends and to be cared for

I liked the Chinese-style buildings. They brought us all into a big room, gave us an introduction, and told us the day’s schedule. Because we were a bit late, we didn’t get a chance to see the babies or the toddlers; it was their nap time.

However, we got to visit five of the elementary classrooms. We divided into small groups and walked over to their school building.

The children were really happy to see us. Many of them wanted to be hugged and picked up. One boy named Kennedy sang the ABC song in English; another boy was a great artist and drew some animals for my classmates. I played with a boy named Brody. After we hugged each other, I asked him if he wanted to read a book. He picked one up one about bears and we read together. He was adorable and we became fast friends!

I’m used to being around people with disabilities, since my family was so involved with Special Olympics and we did activities at the Western Academy of Beijing with students from the Shunyi Special School. Some of my classmates were a bit shy around them, but disabled kids just want the same things as you and me: to have friends and to be cared for.

For me, it was an extra-special trip. For my 10th birthday, I asked my mom if we could visit my orphanage in Chongqing. We are planning a trip this summer. Having a chance to go to SFCV made me happy because I feel very lucky to have been adopted by my loving parents.

My hope and my classmates’ hope is that, by sharing our story, more people will consider supporting and maybe even adopting these special children. To learn more about SFCV, please visit their website at www.chinaorphans.com.

Quotes from Ella’s Classmates “Shepard’s Field is a good place for orphans. My class had a fundraiser for them and when we had a field trip to their orphanage, we met a lot of kids. What surprised me was they even had a computer room with lots of computers! After this amazing trip, I felt happy helping them. Maybe we could do another fundraiser again? I hope so!”

– Lynn Chen “I think Shepard’s Field is a lucky orphanage because the workers are nice and they try to teach the kids good manners. When we got off the bus, I thought we went to the wrong place. It was so nice and fancy; I couldn’t believe it. After when we went inside, I thought everybody must really like their home. I liked it a little bit, too!”

– Julien Glauser About the Author Ella Neary Meiyan Smith (age 10) is a Grade 4 student at Daystar Academy. Born in Chongqing in 2002, she was adopted by Arlington natives George and Trish Smith at age 3. In addition to running fundraisers, Ella enjoys traveling, cooking (especially pizza), golf, track and field, and bowling. She recently started taking guitar lessons, as she wants to be a singer and/or actress when she grows up.

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All the World’s a Stage How students in Beijing are engaging with Shakespeare

by Sijia Chen

Teach er K en ne

th He

ga

rty s the ec t dir

cue-to-cue reh ea r sa l

DCB students Sam Orlov (left) as Prince Hamlet and Paul Wamp as Laertes

T

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To Be, or Not to Be It’s a Saturday in late March, and I’m sitting in the dark cocoon of the Wodehouse Theatre at Dulwich College Beijing (DCB). Dozens of Year 7 to 10 students are gathered here for a “cue-to-cue” rehearsal led by Drama and English Teacher Kenneth Hegarty. After practicing parts of Hamlet separately for the past six or seven weeks, the cast and crew are now bringing it all together “like a jigsaw puzzle.”

Hamlet is arguably Shakespeare’s most famous play. Sam Orlov, a Year 10 student who plays Prince Hamlet, sums it up rather nicely: “This story centers on my father dying and me trying to get over the grief, but I never actually manage to. Everything’s breaking down; my mom’s married to my uncle and my only friend is Horatio. All my other friends – whom I think are allies – have turned on me.” Along the way, Hamlet accidentally kills the father of his love interest, Ophelia, and she commits suicide by drowning in a river. The play culminates in a duel to the death between Hamlet and Claudius, causing the fall of Denmark.

Hamlet is the second of two plays that DCB stages every year.

Following a “no-cut” policy at the auditions, the unprecedented cast size of around 80 students demanded a massive feat of coordination.

“You can’t do a production like this on your own,” says Hegarty. Behind the scenes, three IB students help Hegarty work out music, lighting, and visual cues. Some of the cast students also contributed costume designs, music, and film work.

To pad out the scenes, Hegarty broke up certain lines of dialogue and spread them between several actors. For example, most productions have Hamlet have only two gravediggers; DCB’s version has six.

The production also makes heavy use of multimedia elements like projection and sound design to create a post-modern feel.

One scene features a play within a play that Hamlet stages in front

Photos: ken

his year, April 23 marked the 450th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s baptism, with theater troupes and schools around the world staging performances, parades, and literary celebrations. But compared to the enormous cultural significance of Shakespeare’s output, very little is actually known about the famous playwright. Because the records of his birth are lost to history, the date celebrated as Shakespeare’s anniversary is actually the date of his christening.

He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon around 1549 to an affluent family, married an older woman at age 18, had three children, enjoyed a successful career as an actor and a playwright, and died around age 51. Though well-respected in his lifetime, Shakespeare wasn’t elevated to his present status until the 19th century, when his works were rediscovered by the Romantics and the Victorians. He is now the world’s most-performed playwright, with plays translated into every major living language and countless modern retellings in a variety of media.

A long-running controversy concerns whether Shakespeare actually wrote the 38 plays, 154 sonnets, and remaining works that made him famous. Some “anti-Stratfordians” attribute authorship to contemporaries such as Edward de Vere and Francis Bacon, whom they claim used “Shakespeare” as a pseudonym.

Controversy or no controversy, it’s impossible to overestimate the impact of Shakespeare’s works on the English language. Native speakers are familiar with the phrases “to be or not to be” or “wherefore art though Romeo?” but they might not be aware that Shakespeare also coined household phrases like “all of a sudden,” “vanish into thin air,” “good riddance,” “fair play,” and even “household words.”

For all their cultural significance, Shakespeare’s plays can still be challenging for modern readers. Ask any teenager and you’re likely to hear the descriptors “long” and “boring” – at least initially.

schooled LEARNING

Alice Hawkins (left) as Ophelia and Andie Villegas as Polonius

of the court to hint to Claudius that he knows who killed his father. “To capture the impression that someone knows, we’ve done some closeup work so the audience will see [Claudius’] reactions,” says Hegarty.

“We do a visual trick where the ghost [of Hamlet’s father] appears in the audience and another performer who’s dressed in exactly the same outfit appears on stage to give the idea that the ghost is appearing in different sections of the room.”

I speak with four DCB students: Sam Orlov (age 15), Andie Villegas, Alice Hawkins, and Endani Munyai (all 14). Alice and Endani are from South Africa, Sam is from the UK, and Andie is from the Philippines.

Except for Endani, who wasn’t very familiar with Shakespeare before DCB, all profess an intense admiration for the Bard’s works. Both Andie and Sam fell in love with Shakespeare through Doctor Who actor David Tennant, who played Hamlet in a BBC television adaptation, while Alice is a self-confessed “hopeless romantic” whose first exposure to Shakespeare was Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo and Juliet.

The young actors frequently break into laughter, recount inside jokes, and talk over each other in their eagerness. When asked about most challenging aspect of Hamlet, Andie immediately answers “dying.” “[As Polonius], I’m supposed to yell out my last line in great anguish and pain. I never really did a dying scene before; the first time, I sounded so sarcastic. As soon as I hit the floor, I thought ‘That’s not how you deliver that line.’”

For Sam, the real struggle is offstage. “I’m dyspraxic [a disorder that affects movement, coordination, and cognitive skills], so learning a lot is hard. When I got the initial script, my first thought was ‘Oh Sam, you’re gonna have to learn so much.’ I went straight home and highlighted everything. It was the holidays, and I just said ‘Listen mum, we’re gonna do this.’ We recorded the whole [script], I put it on my laptop and listened to it every night while reading it.”

“Now, my greatest challenge is just knowing where to be,” he continues. “When I kill Polonius, I have to go from that side of the stage [gestures to stage right], pick up a sword, and go there [gestures to stage left] while delivering a line, so it’s very technical. And I’ve never played a part so big. It’s a challenge, but it’s a very fun challenge. Now I’m like, ‘I can do this.’”

Their teacher, Mr. Hegarty, smiles as Sam is speaking. “That’s one of the absolute joys of working with students like this,” he says. “Sam is dyspraxic, but these things are left at the door because the students enjoy being involved in theater. To see the lengths that these guys will go to learn lines, to think about character, and the confidence it brings them – this is why we do performances every year.”

He turns to Sam. “For someone who’s got a moderate learning difficulty, learning the lines to Hamlet – fair play to you. You’re doing such a good job. And the confidence that you’ll take from this, it’s a life-long thing, isn’t it?”

The students’ confidence is not the only thing to have changed as a result of being in Hamlet; their relationship with the playwright has as well. “My love for Shakespeare has grown, if that’s at all possible,” says Andie. “They’re so beautiful, these words. Being in a production of my favorite Shakespeare play ever has made everything so much more personal to me, so I love it.”

“You can’t come up with the right words to explain,” says Alice.

“Because it’s so good!” replies Andie. “What I also love about Shakespeare is how it’s so infinitely relatable. Like ‘to be or not to be’ – it’s healthy for everybody to question their existence at least once.”

“I can’t wrap my head around [Shakespeare] being irrelevant because at the end of the day, our history is the history of the English language,” reflects Alice. “That’s why Shakespeare will stick around.”

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From left: Evan Yu, Bill Ding, Jan Rues, Matt Hsiun, and Katya Antonenko from BWYA

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short 30-second to one-minute pieces used to transition between scenes or set the mood.

To call BWYA’s production of Macbeth “modern” is an understatement. “Ask us about the best scenes,” says Rues. When I oblige, the students excitedly call out highlights from the play. “In the opening scene, we wore masks, chose the most memorable and famous lines from the play, and said them with some [movements],” says Katya.

“But before that, there was the Guns N’ Roses song [“Live and Let Die”],” reminds Evan.

“I really put my Garage Band skills to the test there,” jokes Rues.

“I created a big thunder, lightning, and rain scene.”

“The fog smells really weird,” recalls Bill.

“We also had a rap [“Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons featuring Kendrick Lamar] with live instrumentation,” continues Rues. “Evan played the bass line.”

“The [papier mache] monster had orange paint that glowed in the dark,” adds Katya. “When the light changed, it seemed to be a different color.”

“We opened the second act with a dance by the witches and a few [other of the students],” says Rues. “As music, we chose [the theme from] Ghostbusters because Banquo’s ghost would haunt Macbeth throughout that second act.”

However, Macbeth is more than just about funny dances and pop culture references; this multi-disciplinary approach also allows the students to approach the material from different angles. For example, Matt was challenged with creating music for a battle scene. “It wasn’t as hard as I thought,” he says. “But I never got to see the scene [be-

Photo: ken

Double, Double Toil and Trouble Further south in Wangjing, Year 10 students Beijing World Youth Academy (BWYA) are also discovering Shakespeare. They’re fresh off a staging of Macbeth, one of the Bard’s darkest works. The story follows a Scottish general called Macbeth who becomes obsessed with power after three witches prophesize that he will become king. His wife, Lady Macbeth, urges him to murder the good King Duncan, after which the couple goes slowly mad from the consequences of guilt.

Standard Shakespeare fare, in other words.

Though BWYA’s production also stars middle schoolers, that’s where the similarities end. Led by Drama Teacher Kelvin Lamplough and Music Teacher Jan Rues, the entire grade was involved in the preparation of the play. Students acted, composed music, made costumes, designed promotional posters, painted backdrops, and even constructed a massive papier mache monster to be conjured by the witches.

Every year, Lamplough (known as “Mr. Kel”) has Year 9 students prepare a few scenes from a Shakespeare play to introduce them to his works. Then, about a month before the start of the next academic year, he and Rues meet to talk about which Shakespeare play to stage with Year 10 students, how to do different scenes, and where to incorporate music.

I speak with him and four of the students involved in the play: Katya Antonenko (Russia), Evan Yu (Taiwan), Matt Hsiun (US), and Bill Ding (China). Katya and Evan are both 16, and Matt and Bill are 15. Katya plays Lady Macduff, the wife of a murdered Scottish lord, and Bill plays King Duncan, while Matt and Evan play violin and bass respectively in the orchestra. Matt and Evan also composed some incidental music –

schooled LEARNING

Famous Last Words On discovery: “For me, [Hamlet] has been a gateway into Shakespeare. It’s been around for 500 years already; I bet it will stay for another 500.” – Endani Munyai, 14, South Africa, Dulwich College Beijing

Jack Xia (center) as Macbeth

On performing: “Everything is left at the door when you’re in someone else’s shoes. You can be funny, you can be mad, you can be upset or angry. Everything that happened to you, you can forget about for that short amount of time.” – Alice Hawkins, 14, South Africa, Dulwich College Beijing On experience: “There’s a difference between seeing the play being performed and reading it yourself. The actors need to know the lines and say them with emotion and panache; actually seeing our friends and acquaintances do it, it’s something new and very good.” – Evan Yu, 16, Taiwan, Beijing World Youth Academy On friendship: “You get so close to the cast members. Endani and I were new to the school, but I feel I’ve made some pretty good friends. I see Sam every morning because we’re in the same tutor group, so on Wednesdays and Thursdays [when we rehearse], we’ll have the scripts out and say ‘OK, so which scene are we gonna rehearse?’” – Andie Villegas, 14, Philippines, Dulwich College Beijing

photos: courtesy of bwya

Katya as Lady Macduff

forehand], so I had to imagine it. I listened to battle music from movies and other media, then incorporated those ideas into the piece.”

Evan first discovered Shakespeare through Romeo and Juliet in English class, but Macbeth gave him the chance to collaborate with others – and even gain some insight into his own working habits. “I composed a transition scene, but I had help from my teammate and the other bassist,” he says. “My collaborator – how do I put this? We’re really good friends, but somehow when we’re together we get very little work done, so we had to find a third party. He was very helpful.

[Composing] didn’t take as long as I anticipated, but it’s not the easiest thing I’ve done.”

From a teacher’s point of view, the benefits are plain to see.

“Setting up these situations and acting them out gives you a better understanding of what Shakespeare meant and how he set up these conflicts, how these different characters made their decisions in various scenes,” says Rues.

“Lots of people say his plays are boring and hard to understand, but once you understand, it’s something that I think all of us would want to do,” concludes Bill.

When the interview is over, I reflect on the improbability of teenagers from different parts of the world speaking 400-year-old lines in the same language and dealing with themes as dark as incest, suicide, insanity, corruption, and lust. I set out thinking this article would be about how teachers in Beijing are making Shakespeare engaging for students, but I was wrong; it turns out that this is a story about his enduring relevance to future generations. As 15-year-old Sam Orlov puts it, “It’s made a permanent mark in history.”

On language: “If you had a simplified version [of a Shakespeare play], you wouldn’t have the same emotion as when you read the original script. That’s because Shakespeare used words and grammar to highlight the plot and characters.” – Katya Antonenko, 16, Russia, Beijing World Youth Academy On corruption: “If we take Macbeth as an example of how a respectable man can fall to become a tyrant, if we review the course of history – or even now – we can see that there are many people similar to him.” – Matt Hsiun, 15, US, Beijing World Youth Academy On the future of Shakespeare: “As time passes, people’s perspectives change and [culture creators will] have to think about what would interest them the most.

Even though Shakespeare will live on, there will be different versions [of his works].” – Bill Ding, 15, China, Beijing World Youth Academy On Shakespeare’s legacy: “If you go up to Year 3s or Year 4s, they may have not studied Hamlet but they will always know that line ‘to be or not to be.’ [Hamlet] may be old, but it very much focuses on relatable aspects – war, love, hate, sorrow, anger, family, depression, grief.”

– Sam Orlov, 15, UK, Dulwich College Beijing

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Students from

Daystar Academy fill June’s Blank Canvas

Joshua, 8, Bermuda and Nikolas, 9, US Our indigenous warrior loves nature.

Nanda, 10, US and Lynn, 9, US My indigenous warrior is tall and strong.

Yige , 9, China and Isabel, 8, Australia She is a beautiful hunting girl.

Rose, 9, China My indigenous person is very cute.

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BLANK CANVAS LEARNING

Mina, 9, China My tiny indigenous girl wears beautiful earrings and feathers.

Ian, 8, US and Yoyo, 8, China This indigenous boy is growing strong.

Kaka, 9, China My indigenous person is trying to yell.

Francis, 9, Hong Kong and Hongyu, 8, China Our indigenous person is strong and powerful.

Winnie, 9, UK and Emily, 9, US This is a cute and pretty little girl.

Tiffany, 9, China I love the paint on the indigenous girl’s face and the feathers on her head.

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I Want to Be a

Fitness Expert Ruben Payan peaks the interest of students at BIBS

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photos: ken

itness expert, mountain climber, and inventor Ruben Payan runs fitness studio Human in Motion in Shunyi. He’s a man on a mission, six mountains into a quest to climb eight of the world’s highest peaks – an experience he has harnessed as a metaphor for determination, learning, dreaming big, and achieving one’s full potential. He met with Grade 5 students at Beanstalk International Bilingual Academy to talk about his inspirations, experiences, philosophy – and even his dog, Worm. Aisling O’Brien

When I Grow Up LEARNING Ian Zhou, 10, Hong Kong How did you feel after climbing six of the highest peaks?

I felt very humble and grateful. I got into a lot of trouble on Mt. Everest; I developed wind blindness on my way to the summit. I had to work hard to come off of the mountain. I appreciate everyone who was with me and I’m excited to move on to the next mountain.

Molly Han, 10, China Which mountain was the hardest to climb?

Everest was definitely the hardest because of the problems I had with my eyesight. But I’ll climb K2 in 2016, and that has a reputation for being particularly tough.

Enrique Eddy, 11, Mexico What inspired you to become a bodybuilder?

When I was 11 years old, I watched a movie called Conan the Barbarian. I was a little guy and I thought “I have to be like Arnold Schwarzenegger.” I begged my dad to buy me a gym membership.

I went in there and people at the gym started teaching me how to train. Later I went into the Marine Corps, and after I got out, I changed my career; I’ve been in the fitness industry for the last 14 years.

I love helping others get to their goals, just like other people helped me.

Richie Zhang, 11, China Why do you like to invent things?

I’ve always liked inventing things. In the sixth grade, my first-ever invention was an automatic page turner. If I have an idea, I just go for it.

Dora Youn, 10, South Korea Did you climb with a partner?

When you do a high-altitude climb in the Himalayas, you have Sherpa. Sherpa will help you, guide you, and carry some of your gear. On our expedition, we had seven people in total supporting five climbers.

Arguin Ankhbat, 10, Mongolia What was your Marine Corps training like?

At the beginning, I was scared because I was only 17; I just wanted to go home. Boot camp lasted 12 weeks, and those turned out to be the best 12 weeks of my life. Because they take you from fear, and they make you so strong physically and mentally, after 12 weeks you feel ready. The Marine Corps was tough but definitely worth it.

What was your greatest invention?

I have a new one, but you have to promise me you won’t say anything. My son is 19; when he was young, he didn’t have a lot of friends because he and his mom moved around quite a bit. I invented these little jackets with sleeves you can flip inside out to make a puppet. You can take the sleeves off and switch out your puppet.

So I called it My Vest Friend.

Jason Chen, 14, China When did you start climbing the eight tallest peaks?

In 2005, the first one that I climbed was Kilimanjaro in Africa.

Nini Chen, 10, China Why did you choose those mountains?

I’m working on this project called Powerful Human. It’s a program for kids about doing cool things and supporting others.

Each one of the mountains represents a certain part of my program. On top of every mountain I open up a banner and each banner is the title of a chapter in my program.

Alex Rao, 10, China Did you sleep overnight on Mt Everest?

On Mt Everest, we spent a lot of time sitting around because we have to wait at base camps, wait for the weather, wait for our bodies to adjust to the altitude. I had a bad stomach and headaches. On the days that I was in camp, I was sleeping around 12 hours a day. There’s nothing to do but eat and sleep. But when it’s time to go up, you have to work really hard.

“I thought climbing would be a challenge physically. But I’ve learned so much about myself, different people, and other cultures” Brijana Shao, 11, New Zealand Is mountain climbing dangerous?

It’s really dangerous. A few weeks ago, they had a big accident on Mt Everest. There are huge glaciers through the mountains. You have to be really careful because you never know when Mother Nature is going to shake things up. The sun melts the snow and ice flows come crashing down. Once when we were eating, a big rock rolled from the top of the mountain and came right through the tent. It could’ve really hurt somebody if we hadn’t been eating.

Louis Lee, 10, Malaysia [After Payan introduced his dog] How did you find your dog?

Around the corner from our gym, there’s a gas station. A dog there had puppies; the puppies would come to the gym and we would feed them. It started getting cold and I let the dog, Worm, sleep in the gym one night. That turned into two nights and eventually we just brought her home. Now she’s my dog.

Amy Bai, 10, China Why do you want to climb mountains?

I thought climbing would be a challenge physically. But I’ve learned so much about myself, different people, and other cultures.

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photos: Mitchell Pe Masilun

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From left: beijingkids Bernadette (age 4), Elisabeth 2014 JuneKoch, and Dede (age 2)

Spotlight PARENTING

Chinese Whispers Navigating the local school system when you don’t speak putonghua

by Aisling O’Brien

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ast March, beijingkids spoke to milliner and mom-of-two Elisabeth Koch about the advantages and disadvantages of sending her daughter to a local school called Sweet Angel Kindergarten. Although she expressed some reservations about some aspects of the education at the time, her comments were largely upbeat. “Don’t be afraid to send your kids to a local school,” she advised. “The experience has been all positive [for us] so far.” Koch even appeared on a discussion panel about Chinese education at the beijingkids School Choice Fair in 2013.

However, her perspective on local schools – and Sweet Angel in particular – have changed over the last year. “I was on the pro-local school panel and I’m very anxious to tell everyone my opinion now, because it’s not as positive as it was” says Koch. Her daughter Bernadette van Lawick van Pabst (now 4) and son Dede (age 2) now attend Ivy Academy. We met up with Koch again to discuss the factors that led to her decision.

We also spoke to Peter Carey, an IELTS examiner for the British Council, and father of Isabelle (2 months), and Lewis (age 5). Lewis attends Sweet Angel Kindergarten, and in contrast, Carey is largely happy with the school. “Academics may not be brilliant,” he says, “but when he goes there he has fun interacting with other children.”

In the Beginning Before Sweet Angel, Bernadette had attended Ivy Academy for one semester. “We moved away from Ivy because of cost,” says Koch. “That was really the only reason. International schools are expensive and there was a cheaper alternative.”

From the beginning, Koch had issues with communication at the local school. “I had friends call the school for me. Every time I called to try to confirm Bernadette’s start date, no one in administration had any idea that she was starting there.” However, she decided to give the school the benefit of the doubt. “I thought ‘It’s just China, it’ll be fine.’”

Although Koch was not bowled over by initial impressions, she decided to keep an open mind. “I knew it wasn’t at as high a standard [as an international school]. Bernadette kept asking to go back to Ivy, but she seemed quite happy. She wasn’t miserable.”

But the communication issues continued to mount over the 13 months that Bernadette attended Sweet Angel. “I think I got a report card back from the school three times, with one paragraph in Chinese saying ‘Bernadette’s really happy and sweet.’ The feedback had nothing to do with her progress or what she was doing.”

Carey supports Koch’s take on report cards. “Feedback on what’s going on in the classroom is quite vague,” he says. “We’ve never gotten

Bernadette at Ivy

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“All communication is in Chinese, with Chinese staff. It’s tough for parents to negotiate the local system if they don’t speak Chinese”

From left: Lewis (age 5), Ting Wang, Isabelle (2 months), and Peter Carey

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do better,’ but they [never did].”

Carey found the school’s vacation schedule easier to comprehend.

“Vacation information is clearly communicated; they text or phone my wife about when it’s going to be,” he says. “We know when they’ll be on or off in advance – we just look at the Chinese National Holiday calendar.”

Initially, Koch considered the possibility that language barriers were the main obstacle to communication. However, she eventually met three Chinese moms who also complained about the lack of responsiveness.

Again Carey is in agreement, “You don’t get information unless you ask for it,” he says.

Mounting Problems A decisive incident was when the school neglected to inform her directly that Bernadette had changed classes. One day, her daughter came home and said: ‘Mamma, I went to a new school today.’ When

photo: Ken

a regular progress report.”

“I didn’t even know if they were learning ABCs,” says Koch. “She was an age where I thought: ‘It doesn’t matter, I’m sure they’ll cross that bridge when they come to it.’ But when I would come home and [try to] do ABCs with her, I thought: ‘I don’t think she’s learning them.”

I wondered if she was even learning basic numeracy.”

“I don’t think they learn the Roman alphabet at school,” says Carey.

“I teach him that myself in the evenings. Lewis will move up to the next class in a few months, and he’ll learn to write then. He does do a lot of counting and numeracy [at Sweet Angel] however.”

Koch also did not receive a school calendar, and although the school claimed there was an academic calendar on the website, Koch’s Chinese-speaking assistant informed her it was out-of-date.

This made running a business very difficult. “I would have a whole weekend planned, and then the Friday before I’d find out Bernadette had school that weekend. They’d reply and tell me: ‘Next time we’ll

Spotlight PARENTING asked where she went, Bernadette answered: ‘Sweet Angel.’

“She was trying to tell me was that she was in a new class, but I didn’t realize,” says Koch. It turns out Sweet Angel had announced the change at a meeting attended only by the family’s ayi. “I found out two weeks later,” says Koch. “All through that fortnight, I was WeChatting with Bernadette’s old Chinese teacher and she never thought to mention that she wasn’t even teaching her anymore!”

Over time, she also became concerned about hygiene, teaching methods, and safety standards. “[For the two field trips that Bernadette attended,] the route from the school to the buses was along a busy road (Xindong Lu). There were only two teachers with 30 kids.

They weren’t holding a rope; they just had to hold hands.” She ended up walking alongside her daughter and her classmates until they got to the bus.

Although Carey wasn’t present on the day of the school trip, he feels that staff to student ratios are in general more than adequate at the school. “In Lewis’s class there’s nothing close to 30 kids. There are only 15 kids and three teachers. It’s a good ratio of teachers to kids. If you pay international school fees you will, of course, have more supervision, but three teachers seems sufficient to me.”

Koch found the toilet facilities rudimentary. She says they consisted of “a hole in the ground” with no toilet paper provided. As a result, Bernadette is still in the process of learning how to wipe off. “It makes me feel awful that she had to go through that,” says her mom.

Carey doesn’t share Koch’s concerns. “I don’t see any problems with hygiene or safety at the school. I know they have a strict hand washing regime. I think they do those basics quite well – being tidy, washing hands – [Lewis is] good at all that stuff.”

As a designer, Koch was appalled to hear about apparent attempts to stifle the children’s creativity. “A Chinese mom told me that her son was not allowed to bring his pictures home because they were not ‘good enough.’ As a creative person, that just made me so angry; anything a child scribbles is the most beautiful thing ever to their parents” she says. It’s possible that Bernadette was subject to the same censorship, as she brought home only three drawings over the course of a year.

In Carey’s experience, however, his son particularly enjoys the creative outlets at Sweet Angel. “He especially loves the music program there. They’ve got really good drum kit and piano classes. I used to teach music in England, and I can see he’s really benefitting from the system there. Not just in the music he’s learning, but in other ways too.

He’s learning how to learn, and how to pick up information. Music is one of those things which, if you do every day, you really improve at.”

The deciding factor for Koch was when she realized the school had sold her family’s contact information to advertisers. “I began receiving a lot of calls in Chinese from people selling things, and I recognized [Bernadette’s] Chinese name. They asked me, ‘Are you Bernadette’s mom?’”

“Initially I thought it was a doctor or somebody from school, as that was the only place she ever used her Chinese name. I asked my assistant to speak to the caller and she told me they were advertisers.

They were selling English lessons for Chinese kids. The school had obviously sold my number together with my child’s Chinese name to companies selling child-related [products and services].”

Koch wrote the principal to say that she was taking Bernadette out of Sweet Angel, but was once again met with a combination of silence and a lack of understanding. “I got a single text message from the class teacher saying: ‘We all get spam messages.’ Yes, but never before have I received one with my daughter’s name in it.”

Another decisive moment came when Koch heard from another parent that the balloon vendors who appeared on school premises at the end of the day paid for the privilege. This, coupled with the lack of progress and feedback about Bernadette’s education, led her to conclude that Sweet Angel was run like a business rather than as a place of learning.

Carey thinks that Koch is probably right about the sale of private

data, but he is philosophical. “There are sales calls. I’m pretty sure they have given out numbers to sales people,” he says. “That’s a fact of life in China. You just get used to those calls. I just put down the phone. It doesn’t really bother me any more than all the other sales calls I receive here.”

Making a Change Ultimately, Koch and her husband decided to return Bernadette to Ivy Academy. “As soon as we enrolled, I felt like a ton of bricks had been lifted,” she says. “I’ve noticed such a difference in the progress she’s made. The first week at Ivy, I asked Bernadette if she wanted to go back to Sweet Angel. She said ‘No, no, no’ and has never said yes.”

“At Ivy, we immediately had meetings with the teachers, who wanted to know about Bernadette, her likes and dislikes. I almost cried,” she continues.

In the past, when Koch would ask Bernadette about her day at school, she answered only in terms of what she ate. At Ivy, she talks about playing outside, learning letters, planting seeds, and observing the fish in the classroom aquarium. In addition, Koch receives detailed newsletters every Friday from the head teacher about what Bernadette’s class is learning and from the campus director about the school’s focus for that week. The teachers are “great people,” there is a nurse on staff, the kids get healthy snacks, the facilities are new and varied, and the website is “super up-to-date.”

Carey admits communication styles are very different at a local school. “If you want constant updates you have to go to an expensive private school,” he says. “In our experience, if you’re proactive and ask the teachers at Sweet Angel, you get a lot of good information.”

Months after moving Bernadette to Ivy, a scandal regarding the administration of antibiotics to students without parental consent at another kindergarten prompted Koch to question her daughter about her own medical treatment at Sweet Angel. “I asked her, ‘Did you get any kind of pills or medicine? Did you get a shot?’ and she told me ‘Yes, in my hand, at the nurse’s office.’ Koch is dismayed and perturbed, as she isn’t sure what was dispensed.

Again, it seems that despite Koch’s best efforts to bridge the gap, language may play a major part in the confusion. “They contacted us about the immunization injection,” says Carey. “I think it may have been a flu shot. They also contacted us about a fluoride rinse. Each parent can choose whether their child takes part or not. We decided not to have Lewis have the shot or rinse.”

For all her disappointment in her family’s experience with a Chinese school, Koch remains guardedly optimistic that other parents can make it work. “I still think local schools are OK if you speak Chinese or have a Chinese speaker with you,” she says.

Carey has the same opinion. “All our communication is in Chinese, with Chinese staff,” he says. “It’s tough for parents to negotiate the local system if they don’t speak Chinese.”

As for Sweet Angel itself, Koch says, “I’m really disappointed in them. If you have really low expectations, it’s OK as a daycare. But if you want your child to actually learn something like basic literacy and numeracy, it’s not the right environment.”

Carey, meanwhile, is satisfied with Sweet Angel and with the local school system. “Lewis is really happy at the school. He enjoys his classes and he likes his teachers,” he says. “When Lewis graduates from Sweet Angel, we’ll send him to a local Chinese elementary school.”

“The one plus of the Chinese school is that Bernadette speaks Chinese,” says Koch. “I don’t think she’s been hurt by it at all, and it has been an interesting experiment.”

Sweet Angel Kindergarten declined to comment for this article.

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PARENTING BEIJING BABA

Family Matters From Oregon to Beijing, old lessons hold true

by Christopher Lay

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tion, the ties that bound our extended family together have unraveled and the huge reunions are a thing of the past. However, the tradition carries on in my immediate family. Though we don’t call it a reunion, we gather over the Fourth of July weekend at our own “homestead” in Ashland, Oregon, where my brothers and I grew up. With only my parents, their three sons, eight grandkids, five in-laws, and the recent addition of a great-grandchild, the gathering is much more intimate but the lesson remains the same – family matters and we must make time to be together.

One of the truest expressions of this lesson came when my father’s closest aunt and uncle both passed away within one month. My brothers and I rallied to sort through a lifetime of stuff and clean up their home so it could be placed on the market. We didn’t wait to be asked; we just showed up and did what needed doing. The process brought us closer together and helped us honor the memory of our beloved aunt and uncle.

My parents have always been there for us and for their relatives; I can only try to impart the same lessons and values to my own children – not through words, but through actions. When the time comes, I hope my children will band together and honor the lessons of their forefathers.

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

hen I contemplate the numerous lessons I’ve learned from my father, none stands out more than the importance of family. Of course, he never expressly came out and said this to my two older brothers and I. Instead, it was his actions (and our mother’s) that drove this lesson home and helped me raise my own children.

In my family, occasions matter. My siblings and I live far apart from one another. Consequently, it is the celebration of milestones that bring us together: births, graduations, weddings, anniversaries, and funerals. The compulsion to attend these events is so strong that whenever a great aunt or uncle passed away, I asked my father if I should go to the funeral.

Living an ocean away makes attending events challenging, but many a wedding and graduation coincided with our annual trek home.

Despite the addition of the twins and the challenges of air travel, we will make that trip again this summer so that my folks can spend time with the grandkids.

The annual Lay family reunion featured prominently in my childhood and often took place on the old family homestead outside the tiny outpost of Medical Springs, Oregon. It was there that my greatgrandparents raised their brood of five girls and five boys without running water or electricity or, for that matter, much outside help.

Eventually, the homestead became an ideal location for the reunions that grew from afternoon picnics to three-day extravaganzas with over 200 family members in attendance. Despite only seeing our cousins once every or two years, we relished the chance to catch crawdads and brook trout in Beagle Creek, listen to our elders drone on with countless stories, and try to get away from the events the adults had planned.

With the passing of the last member of my grandfather’s genera-

THE ECHO CHAMBER PARENTING

Sitting Out the Game Dads experience postpartum challenges too

by Ember Swift

illustration: sun zheng

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hen our second baby arrived, I wasn’t prepared for my husband’s postnatal breakdown. I’ve since learned that many fathers have identity crises; some even experience full-fledged postpartum depression (PPD).

My theory is this: the presence of one child is novel, like a living, cooing football that can be paraded at parties and passed between both parents in alternating fun. A chillier reality sets in with the second child’s arrival: the undeniable existence of a capital “F” family. There is no escape.

At least not in the West. Here, my Chinese husband has his mother to pass the kids off to, which is why I couldn’t understand what he was going on about. She is our primary caregiver (besides me, as their mother who chooses that role) and his escape hatch, forever willing and generous with both her time and energy.

“It’s the Chinese way,” she says with a dismissive nod in my husband’s direction. “Besides, men don’t know how to care for children.”

This view of paternal ineptitude is not just Chinese; it’s a global perception. It’s also an opportunistic wormhole through which a postpartum, shell-shocked father of “not just one, but now two” kids can wiggle out of his familial responsibility.

His complaints about a loss of freedom and autonomy were quaintly framed by his sudden, mysterious inability to remember how to change a diaper or heat up a bottle of breast milk. Then came a habit of being the first one out the door in the morning and the last one home at night. “’Too busy with work’ is a choice,” I asserted to the back of his head.

I found all of this heartbreaking. Throughout my recovery from childbirth and my reframing of identity as a mother of two children, our fighting got us nowhere. My mother-in-law began to interfere in typical Chinese style. She repeatedly assured me she was willing to

step up where my husband was falling short.

“It has to come from him,” I told her, deflated.

“You’ve already got a good situation here,” she clucked. “How many of your foreign friends have a free built-in caregiver like me?” That’s when exasperation set in. She was missing my point.

Then one day, my husband and I found ourselves alone in traffic together. For the first time since our son was born, I did not complain about his absence; I focused on his presence.

“What kind of a father do you want to be?” I asked. “Do you want them to know you? Do you want them to see you as capable? Do you want them to know that you love them enough to be willing to care for them? Only you can decide.”

Since then, I’ve seen some shifts – more play with his 2-year old daughter, more curiosity about his infant son, and a few unbidden efforts to feed or clothe one or the other child. As a glimpse of how things should be all the time, I give these actions no congratulatory cheering. To my MIL, it’s a victory she is shocked to be witnessing.

I’ve learned a few things. First, you can’t force a player onto the field if he doesn’t want to play. Second, postpartum recovery is a capital “F” family affair. Even the (frustrated feminist) team captain has to learn to be patient.

Ember Swift is a Canadian musician and writer who has been living in Beijing since late 2008. She and her husband Guo Jian (国囝), who is also a musician, have a daughter called Echo (国如一) and a newborn son called Topaz.

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FATHER TIME photo by PIXSTUDIO

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ven the most loving and committed dads sometimes find it a struggle to balance family, work, and play. For the Father’s Day issue, we spoke to four Beijing-based dads about their experiences of parenting in the capital. We also delved into the experience of being a long-distance dad. And finally we spoke to fathers and sons about bonding through a shared love of sports.

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Mad about Dad Four dads discuss the experience of being a father in Beijing text by Steven Schwankert, photos by PIXSTUDIO

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s the capital of the world’s most populous country, Beijing attracts a diverse group of people to live and work. For Father’s Day this year, we interviewed four dads with interesting backgrounds and jobs about their adoptive, multicultural, and multilingual family experiences. Their answers revealed a lot about them and the love they have for their children, and what a wonderful experience being a father in Beijing can be.

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FEATURES Dominic Johnson-Hill British-born Dominic Johnson-Hill is the father of four girls: Prudence (age 13), Winnie (9), Rosie (7), and Betsy (4). One is adopted, one is from a previous marriage, and two are from his second marriage. Johnson-Hill is the founder of Plastered T-Shirts, along with doing TV work and a radio show. He and his wife Laura Hutchinson have both been in Beijing for over 15 years.

You have four children, including one multi-cultural child and one adopted child. Are their needs noticeably different and do they present significant challenges, one from the other?

All kids’ needs are very different, whether adopted, from a previous marriage, or biologically. In our case, it’s all these little imperfections that make us a beautifully perfect family. The girls have a great understanding of this. The cereal box family only exists on the cereal box; the mom is probably in therapy, the father is running around, and the kids are about to grow up and become ... cereal box models.

We get a lot of questions from people, especially Chinese who are refreshingly direct about the make-up of our family. It is interesting to see people’s reaction when I tell them that I have four daughters from three mothers.

You’re raising all of your children in China. What’s great about Beijing as a city for children?

Children are truly cherished in China, more so than in the UK. Living in Beijing, we like to take our kids with us to restaurants. They join us often in the evenings for dinners and social occasions. We choose restaurants like Saffron where the punters are mostly Chinese. This way, no one complains about the kids being there – in fact, they love it.

In the UK, it’s really frowned upon; you would get a lot of shushing or rolling of eyes if you brought your under 12-year-olds out with you and were making some noise. Human relationships are quite complex in China, but with kids it’s very pure and sweet. It’s through our kids that we got to meet a lot of people, especially when we lived in the hutongs.

You’re quite a busy guy, between TV, radio, and Plastered T-Shirts. How do you find time for the kids in all that?

I finish work at 6pm along with everyone else at Plastered HQ. We fine staff for working overtime; it’s important to know how to close doors and enjoy life at home without stressing about work stuff. Weekends are sacred. It’s family time, and we have a place in the mountains that we run away to and turn off the phones.

Having four [kids], it’s also important to get one-on-one with the girls from time to time. All six of us live in an apartment we bought in Hepingli that is only 69sqm, so we know each other very well and we are a very strong family thanks to this.

Do the children help generate ideas for Plastered designs? Do you see things thanks to them that you might not otherwise notice?

The kids are a massive inspiration for me, as is anyone that brings me so much happiness and love. If you look at the back of our Nanluogu Xiang store, you will see a stained glass window of Deng Xiaoping; Prudence gave me this idea. We also did one of Lei Feng that now sits in the Chicago Museum of Stained Glass Windows.

The kids have taught me that immaturity should be celebrated, as immaturity and creativity are directly linked. The conundrum is that kids have the creative ideas without the skills to make them happen.

We adults, as we grow, lose our creative edge but gain the skills.

What’s the best experience you’ve had so far in Beijing as a father?

Living in a shared courtyard for ten years on Nanluogu Xiang. We shared the courtyard with four families, all of whom we became very close with. We set up a small store on the street and we were a big part of its change. That was an incredible experience, being part of a community and changing the lives of many.

Kang Ayi, who still works in our store to this day eight years on, was one of those neighbors. Our kids grew up in her home – when they got back from school, they rarely came home once they walked into the courtyard. They would think [about] who was cooking what, at what time of year, then chose carefully where to eat their dinner and came home later. This is socialism with Chinese characteristics – or is it the China Dream?

Knowing what you know now, would you have done anything different?

We looked at a courtyard house on Baochao Hutong in 2004 and could have bought it for RMB 2 million. We were flat broke at the time, but that would have been a nice place for the kids to grow up – not to mention a great investment maybe worth millions of dollars now. But in terms of how we’ve raised the kids, I wouldn’t have done anything differently.

What advice would you give to other fathers in Beijing?

My wife and I always felt it was important to help our kids feel that they belong here, which can be tough. Getting involved with community is important, making an effort with neighbors so that the kids are not just international kids, but a part of the fabric of Beijing. Our kids speak fluent Chinese and that’s something that comes quite easily to most [international] kids growing up here. The hard bit is making them feel a sense of belonging and having that come through making an effort and showing respect.

“It’s all these little imperfections that make us a beautifully perfect family”

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Tell us about raising a multicultural child in Beijing.

Raising a multicultural child in Beijing can be one of the most satisfying experiences you can imagine, and then in five minutes it can crush your spirit. The biggest pro would be the overwhelming access to some of the greatest people in one space at one time. To have those people take a real interest in your child and see how their life helps your child shape a wildly unique view of the world is great.

Would Beijing be your city of choice to raise a child, all things considered?

I think that there are two sides of this city that make you love the good side that much more. There’s blue sky Beijing and there’s “do I really need to try and get a 3-year-old to wear this mask?” Beijing.

On the blue sky days, I could see Robby falling in love, getting married, and starting a family here. But since the question is “all things considered,” I do feel like there might be a child abuse charge in my future back in the US if they find out that I made him live through the AQI 900 days in 2012.

Being in the restaurant/hospitality industry, do the hours put a strain on parenting?

Robby’s sleeping habits kind of match up with mine and Liu Fang’s.

The best days of the week are when we get home before he conks out. The worst are when we have to carry him to his bed and imagine what spending time with him that night would’ve showed us about his little personality. Some days I do wish that Beijingers would finally just start drinking at 9am so I can get home before dinner.

You have some extended family living with you. How much does it help – or not help – with child rearing?

My wife’s grandparents have lived with us since a year after we got married. They are as solid as they come and make our life much easier than if they weren’t with us. That being said, grandparents and greatgrandparents – no matter where they are from – have one goal in life,

and that is to undo everything that you are trying to teach your kid.

It’s a constant struggle, because if they had their way [Robby] would already weigh 50kg and stay in diapers until he’s 13.

Was there any trepidation about starting a family in Beijing?

We weren’t planning on it, so...no? In all honesty, Beijing has been great for Robby and [my wife and I’s] marriage. The people here are great and it’s very easy to find a support group or network if you are struggling with something. I made the decision to leave my well-paying job to start Great Leap Brewing when [Liu Fang] was just hitting the second trimester. That was a stressful bit, but we had great friends to help us through.

Is there any obvious advantage to having a son here? Do you notice a difference in the way Robby is treated?

I think that Liu Fang’s grandparents really wanted a great-granddaughter, so there was no pressure to have a boy. But I would say that seeing a little guy try to figure out life in the thralls of Beijing has been very eye-opening for how I was raised and what things really are most important. But in general, I don’t think boys and girls have it any different in Beijing as long as the family wasn’t putting too much pressure on the gender outcome of their birth.

What advice would you give to other fathers in Beijing?

I’d have three points. Education: Don’t think too much about the price of international schools and tuition and the like, because if you worry about it too early on it can put you through hell. Intercultural marriages: Don’t let your mother-in-law convince your wife to sit the yuezi [a traditional post-partum period when new mothers are permitted to do very little, including bathe] and not shower for 30 days. That can ruin your marriage. Always treat your elders with respect, but show that you are leading your family by always listening to concerns but not bending to superstitions. Drinking: Take it easy on the alcohol. Trade liquor for craft beer. You’ll be much better off in the end.

“ Always treat your elders with respect, but show that you are leading your family by always listening to concerns but not bending to superstitions”

Carl Setzer Carl Setzer is the co-founder and master brewer at Great Leap Brewing, which he co-founded with his wife, Liu Fang. They have a son, 3-year-old Robby. Setzer has lived in Beijing for six years.

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FEATURES Richard Liu Longtime expat Richard Liu is the founder of Canadian Alumni Network and Canadians in China. He is also the commissioner of the Beijing Softball League and the proud father of two girls: Elizabeth (age 14) and Paola (12), both students at the Western Academy of Beijing.

“It was exciting to watch my kids interact with both Chinese and expat children while speaking Mandarin like locals” You’ve been in Beijing for 25 years, taking you from single guy to father of two. Tell us a about that experience.

Beijing has witnessed a lot of changes over the last 25 years. Residing in the capital as a young Canadian student presented many challenges at first. Since I traveled to China in the early 1980s with my parents and brother at least once a year, there wasn’t much of a culture shock when I arrived to begin my formal post-secondary education at Peking University in 1988.

What language(s) do you speak at home?

My girls were both born in Beijing, giving us an immediate connection to my Chinese roots. I was born and raised in Canada, exposed to Chinese culture and language only through my parents and the Chinese-Canadian community of Victoria and Vancouver. So it was exciting to watch my kids interact with both Chinese and expat children while speaking Mandarin like locals, going through a local schooling system in their early years, and adapting to local customs and knowledge.

Your wife isn’t Chinese but she isn’t from North America or Europe, either. How is it raising non-Chinese Asian children in Beijing?

My wife Elyse is from South Korea. Although she is fluent in Mandarin, she provides us with a third language and culture. Her immediate family and home country are only a short 1.5-hour plane ride away.

[Having my parents in Beijing is also a rare treat. I feel blessed that my kids have both sets of their loving grandparents nearby to spend some quality time with and to spoil them from time to time.

You’re heading to Canada shortly. How do you feel about being a father somewhere other than Beijing?

The concept of moving for those who have deep roots in this bustling metropolis is a daunting thought, as you’re basically restarting your life, finding a new school, job, community, and making new connections.

I’ve often thought about what it would be like to move and raise my kids in Canada; it’s not a bad option considering the various issues we are facing today, like the pollution.

What’s the best part of raising children in Beijing and what’s the worst?

Raising my children in Beijing over the past decade has been an ideal scenario, as it is safe and affordable [here]. Chinese people are very fond of children, which was evident with the loosening of the onechild policy recently. One early memory was the help my wife and I received while in a local restaurant trying unsuccessfully to have lunch while watching over our newborn. The waitress suddenly asked if she could hold Elizabeth. We didn’t have any problem with it and the other waitresses came over to coddle her and hold our baby; even the male cooks came out from the kitchen. I knew we’d be OK from then on.

What advice would you give to other fathers in Beijing?

My advice to fellow fathers is to watch the first five minutes of Robin Williams’ “RV” for a humorous take on how fast kids grow up. You can choose to stay or move, but watch your health and spend time with your kids, as in just a few short years it’s “adios” and they’re off to the races with “Where are the car keys?”

It’s also great to see that the online world has opened up in China.

However, there is plenty of online material – from TV shows to movies and music – which does not have a ratings system, bringing to question if the entertainment industry in China needs to do something to ensure our children are not subjected to adult content. Guess that’s what happens when you open the windows of change – some flies always get in.

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“When we were told we were getting twins, people said, ‘Are you crazy?’”

Michael Crain American-born Michael Crain is the co-founder of Chi Fan for Charity, an annual dining event that works with restaurants and local personalities to raise money for worthy causes. He’s also a senior consultant and the director of administration at Bingham McCutchen, a global law firm. He has twin adopted daughters from Guangdong: Mackenzie and Mackaylee (age 5).

What’s it like being an adoptive parent in Beijing?

There is still a perception here that when everyone takes care of their own, everybody’s fine. But there is a disenfranchised population where people have decided to have children, but have also decided not to keep them for whatever reason. [With] our girls, I would presume the parents realized that they had not just one but two girls, and decided to give them up for adoption. We’re very fortunate that they were kept together.

In China, it’s hard to give children up for adoption so usually they are abandoned in a place where they can easily be found. As Caucasian parents of Chinese children – especially when we get outside of Beijing or Shanghai – people look at them, then at us. It takes a while to compute.

It’s taken a little bit of understanding from the girls, also. They would see a Chinese child with a Chinese woman and say “ayi.” We had to explain that maybe she’s an ayi or maybe she’s a mama. Not all mamas have blonde hair and blue eyes. It’s only now that they understand that they came from another woman’s belly, not [my wife] Joanna’s belly.

we thought, what did we just do? They just came in and took over, and it’s been that way ever since.

Even from the very beginning, they would switch personalities.

One will be difficult, and the other will see that, and think “She’s being difficult and I have to hold back.” And they’ll do that for a while, and then they’ll switch back. We never had two crying babies at the same time. They’re each other’s best friends and worst enemies.

How do you have that conversation with the girls about being adopted?

In our case, we look different so they’re going to have questions.

We were counseled to talk to them about being adopted from day one. Every year, I make a video of their year. The first video shows us getting them from the orphanage, so it opens the door for those questions to be asked.

Recently Mackenzie said something like “Let’s go to that place to buy babies,” because she wanted a little brother. Joanna said, “What do you mean?” and she said, “Let’s just go to the store and buy another baby.” So it was important for us to take them back to where we got them to see the orphanage, so that they know there are other children who are waiting to be adopted.

Many people in Beijing know you as the co-founder of Chi Fan for Charity. Was adoption part of a general spirit of charity that you and Joanna share?

We wanted to have a family and had talked about [adoption]. Now that I know how the system works and how many issues it has – it’s actually very difficult to put a child up for adoption here – why wouldn’t you want to give that child to someone who wants to raise a child? Part of the process is that they try to find the birth parents; if they’re found, the child or children are given back and the mother is punished.

What about being the father of twins?

When we were told we were getting twins, people said, “Are you crazy?” We didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into. They were dropped in our lives at 18 months, already running around. We were at the Westin in Guangzhou, and all of a sudden one of them is eating the rind off an orange, the other is doing something else, and

What’s it like going from not having children to being parents the next morning?

We had a very long waiting period; we had a nesting period rather than a pregnancy. Like natural parents, we visualized what our children would be like, but we also had photos of them.

Mackaylee came running out with arms open. Mackenzie needed a little more stroking; she immediately started crying, and didn’t let go for seven months. The first thing we did was take them back and scrub them down, and they started discovering water. I think it’s the same whirlwind that birth parents experience.

What’s your advice for other fathers in Beijing?

You can do a lot more with children here that you [would] in other places. You also have help available that will make it saner to be a father. For fathers coming here, you can introduce your children to a completely different culture, so soak up the opportunity to put them in the language. Let them take martial arts, things they would not be able to do elsewhere. It gives them a chance to go back as a different child with a different perspective. Here, you have a relatively safe environment for kids; there’s not a lot of trouble they can get into, so they have the chance here to make discoveries.

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Split Decision How one Beijing dad handles long-distance fatherhood

by Aisling O’Brien

photos: sui

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or the Father’s Day issue, bejingkids wants to pay tribute to the Beijing men who love their spouses and kids but live apart from them. Whether for health, educational, or financial reasons, many families elect to stay, move, or return overseas to live. Because of ongoing global economic instability and the wealth of financial opportunities in China, more and more fathers find themselves living here on their own. These long-distance families face unique challenges and pressures.

We spoke to American Wesley Ingram, branch manager of Links Moving Beijing, about his experience of being separated from his wife and son, and his advice for other fathers in the same position.

Ingram and his Chongching-born wife Demi Yang became a couple in 2005. They married in 2008 and set up house in Chengdu. Over two years ago, the Ingram-Yang family made the difficult decision to live separately, with Yang and their son Ennis (now age 4) moving to Mesa, Arizona just outside of Phoenix, and Ingram relocating to Shanghai on his own, where he lived and worked for a year and half before moving to Beijing earlier this year.

The family spends all of their vacation time together. “This winter, I got lucky and I had a month vacation in Arizona as part of my start-up package with Links,” says Ingram. “As far as the coming years go, it’ll be back to two weeks.” Yang and Ennis will visit Beijing for two and half months this summer, arriving in early June. While they are here, the family will decide whether to live together in Beijing or continue with their current arrangement.

Worlds Apart The decision to live apart was a multi-faceted one. Yang wanted Ennis to start pre-school at age 3, and convinced Ingram that getting an early start in the US would benefit their son’s learning and socialization abilities. Yang was adamant that Ennis needed to be around other kids in an environment where he would learn English, and understand how to play, share, and interact with people outside their immediate family.

“It’s been very healthy for my son to have gone to the US and to have spent some time there. Prior to living in the US, his English ability wasn’t up to par because we spoke mainly Chinese at home,” says Ingram. “It’s also been a big benefit to have him around other children in an environment where they’re asked to respect each other in a different way. In Arizona there’s a mix of interracial kids who look very different and come from different ethnic backgrounds. It’s been really good for him to be around diverse children. He’s improved really quickly on his social skills.”

In Arizona, Yang works as a special needs teaching assistant and rents a house a short drive away from Ingram’s parents. Ennis attends kindergarten at Yang’s workplace, which lowers the cost of education significantly.

“When we were looking at [the possibility of] them coming out to Shanghai, we visited some international schools. His school in Arizona is just as high quality as a lot of the international schools we checked out, but the cost is minimal in comparison to what it would be here.

Although he attends a public school, they still pay because he’s less than 6 years old. It’s a paid program but because [Yang’s] an employee of the school district, they’re given a discounted rate.”

The couple also took into account the issue of pollution in China.

While living in Chengdu, Ennis developed respiratory issues. “He had constant coughs; allergies were always an issue. The international doctor that we went to said that it was probably due to him playing outside all the time – not just because of [air pollution caused by cars and industry] but also due to construction putting a lot of dust in the air,” explains Ingram.

Yang knew that neither Chengdu, Shanghai, nor Beijing could match the air quality in Arizona. “My wife had spent enough time in the US near my parents’ place to be familiar with the living conditions there,” says Ingram.

FEATURES Living so close to Ingram’s parents also means they can play an active role in Ennis’ upbringing; he spends two to three nights a week with his grandparents. They ferry him to and from swimming lessons and soccer practice, and on the nights that he sleeps over, Yang gets some time alone to decompress. “Being by herself, she’s like a single mom, so to have a day or two for herself is important,” says Ingram.

Keeping in Touch The family uses a variety of methods to keep in touch. Ingram talks to his wife and son via Skype or WeChat Video Call at least twice a week, and exchanges emails and SMS with them daily or every other day. Email correspondence mostly addresses practical concerns: school issues, finances, banking, house maintenance, and other day-to-day chores, while video calls are the main conduit for family time.

“It is quite difficult to keep a 4-year-old’s attention for very long.

Forced phone calls definitely are tough, so it’s really been a blessing to have [video calls] and just watch him. He doesn’t have to sit there and answer me; we interact while he plays with his toys. It’s a kind of interaction that wasn’t possible years ago. I see what he’s doing, and we can interact in a way that similar to how it would be if I was really sitting at the table watching him play,” says Ingram.

When it comes to parenting, Ingram’s responsibilities have had to change, with Yang playing a larger role. “She makes the final decisions on most things because she’s the mother and because she’s there. We talk everything through together and try to come up with solutions, but the implementation largely comes down to her,” he says.

Ingram recognizes that it can be difficult for his wife. “When Ennis and I are together, I want it to be fun and I want him to like me. She’s looked at as the bad guy because she’s the one that disciplines him; on that level, I’m not as involved. It’s quite tough on her. My wife has pointed that out and I’ve done my best to up my game to take the burden off her.”

Finding Balance Currently, Ingram’s life in Beijing revolves around work, although he recognizes that’s something that he will need to adjust. “I’m in the first couple of months here, so I’m focused on my job. I don’t have to worry about late nights or working on weekends because I have nothing else to do. That’s a major bonus at the moment; whereas I think when they get here I’ll save some blocks of time during the week when I can be there for dinner. But I also have an obligation to my office; I can’t all of a sudden just cut back my hours and start leaving every day at 6pm.”

The fact that he has just moved here and must shoulder an intense workload means Ingram hasn’t invested much time in his social life so far. “During the week it’s work and a little bit of television. To be honest, I don’t have much of a support network. I eat out almost every night. I guess that’s my way to relax. I usually have a drink and a nice meal somewhere, and then go home,” he says. “I have a couple of friends here whom I’ve known for a while, and I’ll meet up with them at the weekend and have a drink. The activity I do is walking. I take a half hour or hour at night and walk around and check out the neighborhood.”

The hardest part of being apart from his family is missing out on the minutiae of Ennis’ day-to-day life. “He changes what he likes before we’ve had another phone call. That’s quite difficult. I feel like I’m always talking about something that he liked last week. That can happen in person too, but the distance and the fact that we don’t speak as often amplifies it,” says Ingram.

He also worries about Ennis’ state of mind. “I didn’t see my father a lot when I was young. The hardest thing for me is imagining what Ennis’ probably feeling about that,” he says. “We try our best to explain to him that I have to work. He’s asked, ‘Does Daddy not like living with us?’ So we’ve made sure he knows I love him, but that my job is here

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Ingram puts beijingkids in longer hours at2014 work

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FEATURES

“I need Beijing to seed the clouds for the entire summer so my wife decides to stay”

and that a job is an important thing. That’s been a test, though. He’s 4, so his level of understanding is pretty basic: I’m not there.”

Ingram is not just a long-distance dad; he’s a long-distance husband.

“Maintaining our relationship has been tougher,” he says. “There’s no intimacy; not just no sex, but you’re not touching or hugging. The only way you can express yourself is through words and I’m not naturally a very open person. I’ve had to work on being more sensitive and expressive – just having conversations where I tell her how I feel about her. It’s too easy to get into the habit of relating to each other as parents rather than as a couple. So we’ve been working at having conversations after Ennis has gone to sleep, where we don’t discuss parenting or finances or family. We just talk about things that are fun, or what she’s up to, or how she’s feeling.”

Living apart is still heart-wrenching for Ingram. “It’s much easier than it was in the first couple of months of the first year, that’s for sure. But it’s still very difficult not being able to see each other. It’s been a constant consideration. Is the priority work or family? And is it really worth it if they’re not going to be here?” he asks. He would love to reunite the family in Beijing.

So, Ingram and Yang will use this summer holiday to assess the feasibility of family life here by visiting schools, finding a good ayi, and exploring all the arrangements they would need to make for Ennis.

Even if Yang feels comfortable making the move, she and their son will return to Arizona for at least one more semester.

“If it was up to me, of course I would want them here. I’m trying to talk them into coming here to stay full-time. But I understand where my wife is coming from. I agree with her on a lot of levels, especially about the livability factors for our son. It’s really going to have to be a joint decision. My wife is open to the idea at this point of coming to live in Beijing. She’s not very happy about it, but she’s open to it whereas she wasn’t before,” he says. “I need Beijing to seed the clouds for the entire summer so my wife decides to stay.”

Stories like the Ingram-Yang family’s are becoming increasingly common among expat families. The good news is that, contrary to received wisdom and popular opinion, a 2004 study of 200 long-distance couples

led by Purdue University found that separation does not make couples more likely to divorce or engage in extramarital affairs. Similarly, a 2013 study by researchers at Queens University, Ontario found that individual and relationship characteristics rather than geographical proximity were the predictors of a happy partnership. Nevertheless, we wish all our readers – and most especially the Ingram-Yang family – clear blue skies and sunshine all summer long.

Ingram’s Advice for Long-Distance Dads Be prepared: “You have to have a solid foundation in your relationship. It helps if you’ve been together for a longer period of time. We have trust and that’s why we’re still married. We’re partners; we’re equals. There’s got to be trust on both sides: in the relationship and in each other. It’s a relationship that had a lot of time behind it; we approach separation differently because we’ve known each other a long time.”

Prioritize communication: “As the expat in the relationship, you bear a little more responsibility: a wife and child overseas are the ones busy running around living family life. Set times and make sure you keep your word. Commit to communicating at least every other day. You have to push yourself to put the time in” Have alone time with your partner: “[Yang] calls me at times when [Ennis is] not around, and we just chat.”

Find healthy ways to socialize: “Join a gym or a team, play sports – it gives you a reason to get healthy, feel good, and release stress. Plus you can go and have a drink after. You get it all.”

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Like Father, Like Son Two families forging closer relationships through sports

by Sally Wilson

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Brad and Lucas Barron (age 11) snowboarding in Niseko, Japan

FEATURES

Mountain biking in Chiangmai, Thailand (March 2012)

photos: Courtesy of brad barron

Brad and Lucas Barron Originally from the US, the Barron family has been living in Beijing for four years. It is 11-year-old Lucas’ first time living overseas.

His dad, Brad, was always an outdoor guy. Growing up beside a forest called Tyler Arboretum in Media, Pennsylvania, he often walked and hiked in the woods. He also sailed with his own father and participated in school sports such as tennis, soccer, skateboarding, and skiing.

After Lucas was born, Brad encouraged him to be active from a very young age – but not necessarily in a structured way. “Young kids aren’t going to react well to long spells of [physical activity],” he says.“It’s about exposing them to sports in a fun way.”

After the Barrons moved to Beijing, Brad even built a half pipe in the backyard so that he and Lucas could skateboard together. Surprisingly, few of Lucas’ friends have actually used the ramp. “It is pretty scary if it’s your first time,” says Brad.

Lucas currently does soccer, football, basketball, ice hockey, tennis, swimming, and snowboarding. The family also hikes together, and Lucas and his mom Kimberly Tenai frequently go on mountain biking trips.

When it comes to safety, Brad thinks that parents tend to be more risk-averse nowadays. “Life is a game of risks – as long as you take the right precautions,you have to just go for it.”Tenai is quick to add that “[they] have never pushed him to do something outside his comfort zone – it just so happens he has a very big comfort zone.”

Lucas has to balance sports with school work and other commitments like music. “Most of the sports I do with Dad are on the weekend so I can focus on school and music during the week,” he says.

Every Sunday, father and son do kung fu together. Their teacher has said that while Lucas is getting stronger, Brad is getting weaker.

“The effects of age – but I don’t mind,” jokes Brad. Kung fu is great for strengthening the core, which in turn helps Lucas’ snowboarding.

Though Lucas doesn’t need anyone to drop him off at school, his dad always does – even on his days off. Brad cycles while Lucas either skateboards or rides his bike. The elder Barron says he cherishes this time with his son; the two of them can chat about everything and nothing.

The family’s active lifestyle extends to the way they approach holidays. From snowboarding in Japan to surfing in Bali and trekking in Tibet and Laos, these experiences have been challenging at times.

“Sometimes we get tired, cranky, and physically exhausted. The trekking was really tough,” says Brad. So how do they refocus? “We talk about Minecraft!” they exclaim simultaneously. “It’s how we continue to forge our father-son ties,” says Brad. “We’re making memories together,” adds his son.

In Beijing, smog can be an issue, as many of the sports they enjoy doing together are outdoors. However, the benefits of living here still outweigh its disadvantages. “We’re definitely more adventurous now because it takes so long to get anywhere,” says Brad. “I believe that this sense of adventure will stay with us when we return to the US.” For example, Lucas participated in this year’s International Schools Snowsports Championships China (ISSCC) at Wanlong Ski Resort.

Students from several international schools competed in skiing and snowboarding events, with O’le Ski instructors providing training. Lucas took goldin both the Snowboard Giant Slalom and Snowboard Dual Slalom events. Needless to say, Dad was very proud. “He was so fast, it was amazing,” he says. “The whole experience was just brilliant.”

Does Lucas see himself taking up sport professionally? “Maybe. Who knows? I’m just having a great time right now,” he says. Whatever he decides, you can be sure Dad will be right there beside him.

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“More than that, it has meant time with Jordan – seeing him grow into a confident young man has been fantastic”

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FEATURES Darrell and Jordan Barnes The Barnes family moved to Beijing from Gloucestershire, UK in 2004.

Dad Darrell Barnes has been involved with Sports Beijing since arriving in China – first by coaching the soccer program, then joining the management committee in 2007, and finally becoming director in 2011.

His wife, Karen McBride, is the HR director for Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA). They have two children: 12-year-old Tazmin and 13-year-old Jordan, both students at BIBA. Sports have always been part of Darrell’s life; as a boy, he played league cricket in Hampshire and coached teenagers in soccer in the UK before work obligations got in the way. However, Darrell knew he wanted to coach again – an opportunity he was able to pursue once he had a son of his own.

Jordan has played with Sports Beijing Football Club (SBFC) in their development program for seven years. Prior to that, he was in their recreational program for two years. At over 400 matches, he has the distinction of playing the most games for SBFC of any age group. In that time, Jordan has scored more than 150 goals.

“When I started the coaching with SBFC, the reaction of the kids was interesting at first,” says Darrell. “Being the coach and also Jordan’s dad, they probably thought he’d easily get on the team. But with 16 overseas tours, he had to perform at his very best to prove he was good enough. Once the other kids could see that, there was never any issue.”

It’s a tough schedule of training and tours, but the experience has been rewarding for both father and son. “We’ve visited some amazing

places together,” says Darrell. “When Jordan was younger, his mum came too, but now it’s just us. I love the time we have together.” Jordan agrees. “I think we have a strong relationship because of that,” he says.

Jordan now helps to coach the younger players. He smiles when he talks about challenges such as teaching a 4-year-old how to pass a ball, but he also has great fun doing it. “He has something special, the way he works with the little ones. It’s super to watch,” says Darrell.

In addition to soccer, Jordan also swims and plays tennis. It can be difficult to juggle sports and school work; the most time-consuming is swimming, which takes place three times a week. However, both father and son agree that physical activity is vital to a person’s overall health and sharpness of mind. “Fitness leads to better concentration at school, although Jordan could go to bed a bit earlier,” jokes Darrell.

The older Barnes has coached many kids over the last ten years.

Forty-five students have gone on to play professionally for football clubs such as Bayern Munich and the US Under-14 Boys’ National Team. “It’s given me enormous satisfaction, changing kids’ lives through sport,” he says. “More than that, it has meant time with Jordan – seeing him grow into a confident young man has been fantastic.”

The Barnes are moving back to the UK this summer, but sports will continue to play a huge part in their lives. “We’ll probably give cricket and rugby a go,” says Darrell. When asked to describe in three words what sharing sports with his dad means to him, Jordan says: “Relationship, family, and confidence.”

photos: Courtesy of darrll barnes

Jordan (back row, second from right) and his dad Darrell Barnes (in red jersey) with the SBFC team

Resources Sports Beijing Mon-Fri 10am-6pm (office).2/F, Lido Country Club, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District (6430 1370) www.sportsbj.org 朝阳区将台路6 号丽都饭店丽都乡村俱乐部2层

O’le Sports 奥莱体育 5 Shimencun Lu, BaiziwanQiao Dong, DongsihuanZhonglu, Chaoyang District (Pete Tupper: 186 1846 1002, contactus@olesports.org) www.ole-sports.org 朝阳区朝阳区东四环中路百子湾 桥东石门村路5号

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Family Dining American 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-Sun 10am-10pm.

1F, Beijing Kerry Centre Mall, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (8529 8680); 2) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm.

LG2, Parkview Green, 9 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8561 0378); 3) Mon-Fri 10am-11pm, Sat-Sun 8am-11pm. S8-33, Bldg 8, 3/F, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6417 1318); 4) MonThu 11am-10pm, Fri 11am-11pm, Sat-Sun 9am-11pm. Solana Lakeside Dining Street, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District.

(5905 1908); 5) Mon-Fri 11am-10pm, Sat-Sun 10am-10pm. 1/F, Indigo, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8420 0565); 6) Sun-Thu 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat 8am-midnight. 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (6433 5058) www. elementfresh.com 新元素, 1) 朝阳区光华路1 号1层; 2) 朝阳区东大桥路9号; 3) 朝阳区三里 屯路19号院三里屯Village 3层; 4) 朝阳区朝阳公 园6号蓝色港湾湖畔美食街; 5) 朝阳区酒仙桥路 18号颐堤港1层; 6) 朝阳区将台路6号

coffee, milk tea, ice cream, Wonderslushes and of course its signature frozen yogurt in a variety of flavors. You’re free to mix and match your own sweet temptations.

Everything is made from milk sourced from the US-owned Wondermilk dairy farm located just outside Beijing. 1) 45 Yandai Xiejie, Chaoyang District.; 2) Stall 46A, 1/F, 2 Bagou Lu, Haidian District. (5114 8272); 3) Daily 9.30am-5.30pm. Bldg23, Jingyuan, 3 Guangqu Lu, Chaoyang District. (8721 5126); 4) Daily 10am-10pm. Stall E411, 4/F, Shimao Department Store, Sanlitun, Chaoyang District. (6417 6581) www.wondermilk.cn 1) 朝阳区烟袋斜街45号; 2) 海淀区巴沟路2号1 层-46A店铺; 3) 朝阳区广渠路3号竞园图片产 业基地28B; 4) 朝阳区三里屯世茂百货四层E411

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

European

Eudora Station Bar and Restaurant Restaurant downstairs, bar and wine tasting upstairs - Eudora is a very serviceable (if oddly named) North American-style food and drink establishment. No great risks were taken in design or decor, but there is a solid feeling of quality about the place that may make it a standby for locals just looking for a spot to spend the evening. Think burgers, beer, pizzas, a pool table and brunch. Daily 9am-2am. 6 Fangyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District (6437 8331) 亿多瑞站，朝阳区芳园西路6号

Bakeries, Delis & Desserts Fawn’s Sweets Founded and operated by Hong Kong-born teen siblings Stephanie and Kevin Yang, Fawn’s Sweets specializes in cheesecakes and cupcakes for all occasions.

A box of nine cupcakes costs RMB 108 and a large cheesecake costs RMB 280. There are also individual portions available for sale at the shop, such as carrot cake (RMB 13) and red velvet (RMB 12). Mon-Fri 8.30am9pm, Sat-Sun 10.15am-7.30pm. Shop B118, Chaowai SOHO Phase II, Chaoyangmennei Xiaojie, Chaoyang District. (6517 6680) 佛 恩斯蛋糕店, 朝阳区朝内小街朝阳门SOHO2期 B118店铺 Mondo Gelato Canadian brand of Italianstyle ices and gelatos for your gourmet sweet tooth. Daily 10am-10pm. B1, Huamao Shopping Center, 81 Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District. (mondobj@vip.sina.com) http:// www.mondogelato.com/content/stores/ beijing.php 聚乐多意大利艺术冰淇凌, 朝阳区 华贸购物中心B1 Wondermilk Wondermilk’s frozen yogurt store serves a range of delicious dairy products including milk and yogurt shakes, Wonderwobbles, cream puddings, iced

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The English Tearoom Located behind Shunyi’s Beidong Flower Market, The English Tearoom is a quintessentially British, familyfriendly tearoom. The cafe prides itself on serving real tea in traditional English-style teapots, including black teas, green tea, rooibos, herbal and fruit teas (all imported from the UK). Visitors will also find gourmet coffee, fresh fruit juices, and smoothies. For food, there are traditional fresh-baked English scones and a selection of British cakes and biscuits. The light lunch menu includes sandwiches, salads, and specials like sausage rolls and Scotch eggs. There’s also an English afternoon tea and a generous English breakfast. The English Tearoom strives to use organic, local, and free-range produce whenever possible. The space is divided into the Main Tearoom and the Children’s Tearoom; the latter contains a large play area for tots to run around in. Parking is available outside the restaurant within the Chuangyi Yuan compound. Daily 10am-7pm. Inside Chuangyi Yuan, 1A Shunhuang Lu (near Scitech Outlets), Sunhe Township, Shunyi District. (8459 4407, 158 1099 8410 (English and Chinese)) www.englishtearoombeijing. com 英国茶房, 顺义区孙河乡顺黄路甲1号创意 园内(近赛特奥特莱斯) Vineyard Cafe This hutong cafe, specializing in comfort food and comfy couches, is both hip and sensible, and their hearty English breakfasts are excellent weekend brunch fare. Good pizza and excellent beer selection.

Voted “Outstanding Brunch (Affordable)” in the Beijinger’s 2011 Reader Restaurant Awards. Tue-Sun 11.30am-11.30pm. 31 Wudaoying Hutong (just north of the Confucius temple), Dongcheng District.

(6402 7961, info@vineyardcafe.cn) www. vineyardcafe.cn 葡萄院儿, 东城区五道营胡 同31号

French Crepanini Run by two Bretons, this small cafe features a variety of savory and dessert crepes (including a buckwheat Breton Crepe and the ever-popular Nutella and Banana Crepe). In addition, they offer a selection of

paninis and waffles and drinks include coffee, smoothies, cider and pastis. Set breakfast and lunch menus on offer. Local delivery available. Sun-Thu 9am-midnight, Fri-Sat 9am-2am. Unit A110, 1/F, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (5208 6093) 可百尼尼, 朝阳区三里屯路81号那里花园1层 酒吧街对面

Italian Loft Eatalicious Italian chain featuring high-quality Italian food for fair prices. Hearty mozzarella salads, pumpkin soups, fresh pizzas, and robust baked lasagnas abound.

Most food items are in the 35-80 RMB range.

Daily 10.30am-11pm. Unit 101, Bldg A1, ULO Park, 605 Wangjing Yuan, Guangshun Nandajie, Chaoyang District. (8870 0868) 朝 阳区广顺南大街望京园605号楼悠乐汇A1座101室

the high glass walls of Café Noir, where specialties from curry laksa to beef rendang and Hainan chicken represent Southeast Asian fare admirably. Alongside that, dishes such as lobster tail with caviar, and oyster with Champagne emulsion, demonstrate the sophistication of Western cuisine. Daily 6.30am-midnight. 1/F, Traders Upper East Hotel, 2 Dongsihuan Beilu (southeast of Xiaoyun Qiao), Chaoyang District. (5907 8416) www.tradershotels.com 朝阳区东四环北 路2号 (霄云桥东南角)上东盛贸酒店

Vegetarian

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

Tianchu Miaoxiang Vegetarian Tianchu Miaoxiang, which opened in 2003, is dedicated to making meat-free dishes to promote healthy diets and humanitarianism. The menu is well-organized and extensive. The menu mainly focuses on Chinese dishes, but also serves vegetarian pizza, “steak” and pasta made from beancurd, gluten, and mushrooms.

Suzhong sanwei (素中三味) – a “three flavor” combination of sausage, fish and duck – is a perfect example of Buddhist mock meat dish.

Another one is heijiao niuliu (黑椒牛柳), the most popular dish. This is a fillet of “beef” sauteed with green and red bell peppers with a wonderful black pepper sauce. We were curious about the South Pole algae salad (姜 汁南极藻 jiangzhi nanjizao) tossed in balsamic dressing, and found that the seaweed has a crunchy texture akin to jellyfish. There are numerous other dishes worth trying: pumpkin steamed with lilies and ginko (福 果百合蒸南瓜fuguo baihe zheng nangua), taro with pumpkin casserole (香芋南瓜煲 xiangyu nangua bao), seared mushrooms with hot chilies on hot iron plate (铁板米椒杏 鲍菇 tieban mijiao xingbaogu), and dry-wok bamboo shoots (干锅青笋 ganguo qingsun).

English menu available. 1) Daily 10am-10pm.

1/F, Chuangye Bldg, Qinghua Keji Yuan, Haidian District. (6279 7078, tianchubj@gmail. com); 2) 10am-10pm. Ste 260, 2/F, Tower D, Chaowai SOHO, Chaoyang District. (5900 1288, tianchubj@gmail.com) www.liaofan.com 天厨妙香素食, 1) 海淀区清华科技园创业大厦 一层; 2) 朝阳区朝阳区朝外大街乙6号朝外SOHO 大厦D座2楼0260号

Pizza

Vietnamese

Hutong Pizza With a quaint, cozy atmosphere, this pizza joint located just off the beaten track of Houhai offers arguably the best pizza (RMB 60-120) in Beijing. The veggie burgers are also hugely popular. Daily 11am-11pm. 9 Yindingqiao Hutong, Xicheng District. (8322 8916) 胡同比萨, 西城区银锭 桥胡同9号

4corners 4corners is the first solo project from Vietnamese-Canadian chef Jun Trinh, formerly of Luga’s Pho Pho. The hot-and-sour fish head soup with lime leaves, pineapple and chilli stands out for its rich flavor. Of the tapas-oriented dishes, try the Vietnamese rolls filled with toasted rice, pork skin and leafy herbs. On weekends, a brunch menu features Canadian-style breakfasts and Asian options, plus a range of “morning-after” cocktails. Sun-Thu 11am-2am, Fri-Sat 11amlate. 27 Dashibei Hutong (near west end of Yandai Xiejie), Xicheng District. (6401 7797) 四角餐厅, 西城区大石碑胡同27号 （烟袋斜街 西口附近）

Japanese Haru Teppanyaki and Sushi Bar 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） 能号楼三层N4-30单元; 2) 顺义区天竺镇开发 区荣祥广场902

Korean

New York Style Pizza The Shunyi branch of this Shanghai-based chain started by a native New Yorker serves pizza pies, NYC style, with frsh toppings and homemade crusts and sizes ranging from 16 to 20 inches (prices range from around RMB 100 and up).

Pizza by the slice available. Free delivery within a 3-km radius. 11am-9pm. 7 Riverville Square, Shunyi District. (6450 8790) 顺义区 温榆广场7号

Russian Dacha Located near Ritan Park, Dacha serves features truly global cuisine, from sushi to pizza. Try Russian classics like borscht and traditional beet salad, or opt for European standards such as pasta Carbonara and rack of lamb. 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）

Singaporean & Malaysian Cafe Noir The sunlight radiates through

Family Health Clinics & Hospitals Amcare Women’s & Children’s Hospital Amcare Women’s and Children’s hospital provides families international medical services in Chinese cultural background.

Services include obstetrics, gynecology, pediatrics, family planning, and psychological consulting. The new 6,000 sqm Yayuncun branch has 50 wards, private gynecological clinic and a neonatal intensive care unit. 1) Daily 24 hours. Bldg 5 Anhui Beili Yiyuan, Chaoyang District. (400 100 0016, contact@ amcare.com.cn); 2) Daily 8am-4.30pm. 9 Fangyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6434 2399 24hr hotline, 800 610 6200, contact@amcare. com.cn); 3) 9-9 Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang District. (contact@amcare.com.cn) www. amcare.com.cn 北京美中宜和妇儿医院, 1) 朝 阳区朝阳区安慧北里逸园5号楼; 2) 朝阳区芳园 西路9号; 3) 朝阳区将台西路9-9号

DIRECTORIES Beijing New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital (NCWCH) With stateof-the-art park side facility, New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital (NCWCH) is established to operate with international standards. Backed by strong ties to Beijing Children’s Hospital and Beijing Obstetrics & Gynecology Hospital, the experienced and friendly medical staff of NCWCH provide fi¬rst-class gynecology, obstetrics, pediatric, NICU and urgent care services for women and children (0-18 years old). 51 Wangjing Beilu (Wanghu Park south gate), Chaoyang District. (5178 3366) www.ncich.com.cn 北京 新世纪妇儿医院, 朝阳区朝阳区望京北路51号院 （望湖公园东门南） Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU) Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics (BJU) offers international-standard care to thousands of Beijing’s expatriate and Chinese families. BJU features an international team of doctors from more than 20 countries and since 2005, it has been consistently reaccredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and the College of American Pathologists (CAP). Since 1997, BJU’s multilingual staff has provided professional expertise with heartfelt care. The hospital and clinics offer a full range of medical services. In addition to departments of family medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and dentistry, BJU has attracted top medical professionals in cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, dermatology, psychological health, obstetrics and gynecology, emergency medicine, integrative medicine, ophthalmology and ENT. Mon-Sat 8.30am-5.30pm. 24-hour emergency care. 1) United Family Financial Street Clinic, 109 Taipingqiao Avenue, Xicheng District.

(4008-919191 (24hr Service Center)); 2) 2 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (4008-919191 (24hr Service Center)) www.ufh.com.cn 北京 和睦家医院, 1) 西城区和睦家复兴门诊所, 太 平桥大街109号; 2) 朝阳区将台路2号 Children and Adolescent Counseling Services Dr. Mike Mehrvarz, PhD, is a child and adult psychologist trained in the US and licensed to practice in China. His specialties include educational, psychological and neuropsychological assessment and treatment, learning and behavior problems such as autism, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD), depression, anxiety, anger, eating disorders, parenting training, and more. Dr. Mehrvarz speaks English, Mandarin, Farsi and Japanese. International Medical Center, Rm S106, Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (6465 1561/2, 158 0131 9796) 朝阳区国际医疗中心，亮马桥路50号燕莎 中心写字楼1层S106 Counseling with Chris Williams Chris Williams is a British trained counselor with 12 years of experience and over 1,500 hours of training. He is available for counseling and psychotherapy in Beijing for couples, families, and individuals of all ages. Fees: RMB 600/ hour for individuals, RMB 800/hour for couples and families. (138 1048 8569) www. chriswilliamscounselling.com

Hong Kong International Medical Clinic, Beijing Beijing’s first joint-venture medical organization operates according to international standards, has a high-quality

international administration system, highlevel medical staff, and warm service. A 24hr helpline offers medical support in English, Chinese and Japanese, and other languages on request. A basic consultation costs RMB 680. Direct billing with over 50 international insurers. Daily 9am-9pm (after 9pm nurse on duty). 9/F, office tower of the Swissôtel, 2 Chaoyangmen Beidajie, Dongcheng District.

(65532288 ext 2345/6/7, 6553 9752) www. hkclinic.com 北京港澳国际医务诊所, 东城区北 京港澳国际医务诊所，朝阳门北大街2号港澳中 心瑞士酒店办公楼9层 International Medical Center (IMC) IMC was the first expatriate medical institution in Beijing. A multilingual clinic with a full range of medical services including Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Endoscopy and Surgery & Orthopedics. Other services include Dental Services, TCM & Acupuncture, Physiotherapy and Psychological services. The department of Emergency Care at IMC is open 24/7 with all board certified foreign doctors on site.

Daily 24hrs. S106, S111 Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmahe Lu, Chaoyang District. (6465 1561/2/3, 6465 1384/28, marketing@ imcclinics.com) http://www.imcclinics.com/ 北京国际医疗中心, 朝阳区亮马桥路50号燕莎中 心写字楼1层S106 International SOS One of the world’s leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance company with 66% of the world’s Fortune 500 companies choosing International SOS. Since 1989, International SOS has led international-standard medical care in China, with a 24/7 alarm center hotline, a dedicated air ambulance, four international quality clinics staffed with expat and foreign doctors and 200+ network of medical service partners. International SOS Beijing clinic is the city’s leading family practice and specialist services clinic, represented by 15 nationalities, including English, French, Japanese, German, Spanish, Korean and Chinese-speaking doctors. Offers 24/7 Emergency Services, GP, Pediatrics, Gynecology, specialists, Pharmacy, Psychology, Physiotherapy, Dentistry and Orthodontics, Optometry. Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-6pm. Suite 105, Wing 1, Kunsha Building, 16 Xinyuanli, Chaoyang District.

(Clinic: 6462 9112, 24hr hotline 6462 9100, china.inquiries@internationalsos.com) www. internationalsos.com, www.clinicsinchina.com 北京国际救援中心, 朝阳区新源里16号琨莎中 心一座105室 Naturopathic Medicine Dr. Melissa Rodriguez is a licensed, board certified Naturopathic Doctor from Ontario, Canada.

She uses homeopathy, botanical medicine, nutrition, and other natural therapies that are effective and safe, to help her patients prevent illness and treat disease. Dr. Rodriguez is committed to working with you and your family to achieve your goals of optimal health. Rm S106, International Medical Center-Beijing, Lufthansa Center Office Building, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (6465 1561) www. drmelissarodriguez.com 朝阳区朝阳区亮马桥 路50号燕莎中心写字楼1层S106 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

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Rm 03-06, 3/F, Tower 2, China World Office, Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District.

(6505 8033, info@mayflowerdental.com. cn); 2) 3/F, Bldg 2, Yingtai Business Center, 28 Financial Street, Xicheng District. (6657 8833, info@mayflowerdental.com.cn) www. mayflowerdental.com.cn 五月花口腔诊所, 1) 朝阳区建国门外大街国贸写字楼2座3层03-06; 2) 西城区金融大街28号盈泰中心2号楼3层

Vista Medical Center Medical services including family and internal medicine, OB/ GYN, pediatrics, dentistry, ophthalmology, dermatology, ENT, TCM, physiotherapy, psychiatry, imaging laboratory and pharmacy service. Also offers pre- and postnatal care and infant health check-ups. English-speaking staff onsite 24hrs a day. A consultation with a GP costs RMB 660. Direct billing with more than 40 international insurance providers.

Daily 24hrs. 3/F, Kerry Centre, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (8529 6618, fax 8529 6615, vista@vista-china.net) www.vista-china.net 维 世达诊所, 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心3层

Dentists IDC Dental Standing for International Standards, Dedicated Professionals and Compassionate Care, IDC is a multi-specialty clinic offering a broad spectrum of family and restorative dental care. Experts in cosmetic makeovers and CT-guided implant surgeries.

A certified clinic with Progressive Orthodontics and Beijing’s only Western-trained root canal specialist. Multi-tier pricing. IDC is a Preferred Provider with CIGNA, Allianz, and MediLink. Daily 9am-6pm. Rm 209, Bldg 7, Yard 9, Richmond Park Clubhouse, Fangyuan Nanli, Chaoyang District. (6538 8111, info@ idcdentalbj.com) www.idcdentalbj.com IDC国 际齿科中心, 朝阳区芳园南里9号院7号楼209室 JD Dental If you speak some Chinese, it’s worth looking into this local dental clinic chain that offers friendly and affordable service in a clean environment. No direct billing, but reception staff will give you everything you need to make a claim. 1) Chaoyang Jiaoyu Fenyuan, 1 Tianshuiyuan Jie, Liulitun Nan, Chaoyang District. (6591 1321); 2) Unit 4U, Apartment Tower A, Fortune Plaza, 7 Dongsanhuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District.

(6530 8088); 3) Apt 108, Bldg A, Sunshine 100, 2 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District.

(5100 1133) www.jingdedental.com 精德口 腔, 1) 朝阳区六里屯南甜水园街１号朝阳教育 分院; 2) 朝阳区东三环中路7号财富中心翼楼4U 室; 3) 朝阳区光华路2号阳光100 A座108室 Joinway Dental Clinic Joinway Dental is a leading dental clinic in Beijing. Proficient in cosmetic dentistry and implants; services include preventive dental care, oral and teeth treatments. Striving for perfection from the treatment design to the treatment procedure, and following up patients after all treatments.

Also providing more than 20 different international insurance companies direct billing service. Mon-Sat 9am-6pm. 11D, Bldg D, Oriental Kenzo Plaza, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District. (8447 6092/93, 132 6181 6708/139 0109 6692 English, joinway@ dentalcn.com) www.dentalcn.com 久汇齿科, 东城区东直门外大街48号银座大厦D座11D May Flower Dental Through the integration of expertise and technique, advanced facilities, and excellent service, May Flower Dental has established a high-end brand known for its quality dental care in Beijing.

May Flower is a multi-functional dental care office that provides services including dental implants, crowns, bridges, root canals, gum surgery, oral surgery, braces, teeth whitening, and cosmetic dentistry.

All dental procedures are done by a dentist specializing in that type of procedure. 1)

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beijingkids 2014 June

SDM Dental Teeth cleaning, root canals, restorative dentistry, porcelain crowns, dental implants, orthodontics and cosmetic dentistry. A basic consultation costs RMB 50, with a first-time registration fee of RMB 50.

1) Daily 9am-8pm. East of the Basement, Sunshine Plaza, 68 Anli Lu, Chaoyang District.

(6497 2173, 6498 2173); 2) 2层NB210.

NB 210, B2/F, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District.

(6505 9439); 3) Daily 9am-8pm. FC222, 21st Century Hotel, 40 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (6466 4814, 6461 2745); 4) LB107, Euro Plaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District. (8046 6084); 5) Daily 9am8pm. Rm 106, Bldg 11, 22 Yuanda lu (near Golden Resources Department Store), Haidian District. (8859 6912/13) www.sdmdental.com 固瑞齿科, 1) 朝阳区安立路68号阳光大厦东侧 底商; 2) 朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商场地下 2层NB210; 3) 朝阳区亮马桥路40号二十一世纪 饭店FC222; 4) 顺义区天竺镇裕祥路99号欧陆广 场LB107; 5) 海淀区远大路22号11号楼106室（金 源时代购物中心斜对面)

an amateur choir for grownups of all skill levels. (bookings@ole-music.org) www.olemusic.org, 186 8247 1171 Roundabout Roundabout is a non-profit organization run by volunteers that accepts donations from the community and distributes them to people in need. They accept donations of almost anything: clothing, furniture and much more. Any items that are not needed by the charities, such such as handbags, paintings, home decor, surplus furniture and toys, are sold in their store.

All proceeds fund their operation: truck hire, rent etc.The new building location is directly beside/behind Yosemite (the side towards Dragon Bay). Directions: Drive past ISB, with ISB on your left (this is Anhua Jie going west). Pass the intersection where BSB is on your right. Take the next left (leading to the back gate of Yosemite), and it is just down the road on the right past the blue and white migrant worker buildings. Mon-Sat 9.30am5.30pm. Yuyang Road West,Off An Hua Road (Behind Yosemite Villa Compound), Shunyi District. (137 1877 7761 (English), 137 1805 3814 (Chinese only), roundaboutchina@ gmail.com, thecharitystore@gmail.com) www.roundaboutchina.com 顺义区众爱商店， 顺义区榆阳路（优山美地别墅后街，从安华路 转入）。

心4层404-405; 4) 西城区金城纺街2号金融街购 物中心四层L404; 5) 朝阳区朝阳区东三环北路 东方路1号希尔顿酒店大堂1层; 6) 东城区东长 安街1号东方广场汇贤豪庭一层

Organic Farms Agrilandia Italian Farm Fireplace Restaurant Fresh ingredients are grown on site at this Italian organic farm in Shunyi. Its great suburban locale ensures lots of room for the kids and dogs to scamper, as well as opportunities to tour the green house where fresh fruit and vegetables are grown.

The main dining hall is available for group functions, and the farm produces its own wine, along with pizza, pasta and garden salads. Daily 9am-9pm. Baigezhuangcun, Mapozhen, Shunyi District. (6940 7700, 130 0127 1094) www.agrilandia.cn 意大利农场壁 炉餐厅, 顺义区马坡镇白各庄村

The Beijing Guild An informal crafts group which welcomes people of all nationalities interested in knitting, crochet and other crafts, coming together to share their passion and to meet others. Meets weekly; see website for times and locations. (contact@ beijingguild.com) www.beijingguild.com

Fishtail Garden Organic Farm Located next to Maquanying subway station, Fishtail Garden Organic Farm features a familyfriendly buffet-style brunch made from seasonal and organic ingredients from the garden. Dish examples include poached sugared sliced pears; sweet and sour prawn with kiwi, dragon fruit and lychee; braised tilapia with mushrooms; and yak meat steak with steamed vegetables. As of June 2013, weekend brunch cost RMB 200 per person.

Sat-Sun 10am-5pm (by reservation only).

Across the street from Scitech Outlets, Hegezhuang, Chaoyang District. (400 018 0096, fishtailgarden@sina.com) Weibo: weibo.com/u/2636943457 曳尾园家庭农场, 朝阳区崔各庄赛特奥莱对面

Hair & Beauty Salons

Spas Bodhi Sense Like the original branch of Bodhi on Gongti, Bodhi Sense draws inspiration from both Thai and Chinese culture, but boasts an added touch of luxury. There are ten foot-massage rooms and an additional ten treatment rooms, all exquisitely decorated Daily 11am-12.30am.

2/F, Somerset Grand Fortune Garden, 46 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8440 1495) 朝阳区亮马桥路46号盛捷副景苑公寓2层

Family Life

Catherine de France Hair Salon, Beauty Salon The Catherine de France team of international and local stylists, colorists and beauticians offer a holistic hair and beauty experience. Treatments include hair services, manicures, waxing and tanning. Referral and VIP programs available. Tue-Sat 10am8pm, Sun-Mon 11am-6pm. East Avenue Bld Ground Floor,No.10 Xindong Lu, Chaoyang District. (10 8442 5120, 135 2147 3492, catherine@catherinedefrance.com) www. catherinedefrance.com 法式美容美发沙龙, 朝 阳区新东路10号逸盛阁首层

Community Groups and Organizations

Salon DePark Shop B09, B1/F, Kerry Center, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (8529 6328/9)

Beijing International Festival Chorus (IFC) This group of highly talented amateur singers performs Western classical music three times a year at the Forbidden City Concert Hall. Also has a children’s choir and a chamber choir. www.beijingifc.org

丁和李朴发型设计, 朝阳区光华路1号嘉里中心 商场地下1层B09

Optometrists & Eye Hospitals Beijing Aier-Intech Eye Hospital 15 years of eye care experience, including emergency treatment, telephone consultations, laser vision corrective surgery and preventative care. On-site shop sells frames and lenses.

The VIP clinic has English-speaking staff, many trained overseas. Can direct bill to many international insurance companies.

Daily 8.30am-4.30pm. 1,4,5/F Panjiayuan Plaza, 12 Panjiayuan Nanli, Chaoyang District.

(6773 2700, customerservice@intecheye. com) www.intecheye.com 英智眼科医院, 朝 阳区潘家园南里12号潘家园大厦1，4，5层

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

Professional acting experience not necessary and nationality not important, though ability to perform in English is required. Balizhuang (E 4th Ring Rd)100025 Chaoyang5 Houbalizhuang, Yew Chung Int’l School, East gate of Honglingjin Park, Chaoyang District. (13718908922, performance@ beijingplayhouse.com) www.beijingplayhouse. com 北京剧场, 朝阳区八里庄东四环中路后 八里庄5号 International Newcomers’ Network A networking and information resource for all newcomers to Beijing. Meetings are held on the last Monday of each month except December. Function Rm, 3/F, Athletic Center, Capital Mansion, 6 Xinyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (8486 2225 ext 110, innbeijing@ hotmail.com) www.innbeijing.org 朝阳区新源 南路6号京城大厦康乐中心3层 O’le Music Brought to you by the same people behind O’le Sports, O’le Music creates community-oriented music programs.

Initiatives include Trash Bash (making music with household objects) for kids and Shout!,

TATA With its eye-catching, panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, this swanky salon in Gongti is the perfect stop for doing up your hair and nails before clubbing. Daily 10am9pm. Workers’ Stadium North Gate, Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (8511 3880) 朝阳区 工体北路工人体育场北门 Toni & Guy Beijing branches of the worldrenowned UK hair salon. If you want to give your locks the five-star treatment, book a cut with director Frankie (RMB 780). His assistants charge considerably less (RMB 120 and up). Perms and colorings cost RMB 380 to 580. Surprisingly little English spoken. 1) Daily 11am-8pm. Shop 41, 1/F, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (8426 0688); 2) Daily 10am-9pm. Unit 303, Tower C Office Bldg, Yintai Center, 2 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (8517 1292); 3) Daily 10am-10pm. Shop 404-405, 4/F, ECMall, 1A, Danling Jie, Haidian District. (8248 3435); 4) Daily 10am-9pm. 4/F, Seasons Place Shopping Centre, 2 Jinchengfang Jie, Xicheng District. (6622 0316); 5) Daily 10am9pm. 1/F, Hilton Beijing, 1 Dongfang Lu, Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6461 8368); 6) Daily 10am-9pm. 1/F, Oriental Plaza, 1 Dongchang’an Jie, Dongcheng District. (8518 2646) 托尼英盖, 1) 朝阳区酒 仙桥路18号颐堤港商场地铁层店铺号LG41; 2) 朝阳区建国门外大街2号银泰中心写字楼C座3层 303商铺; 3) 海淀区丹棱街甲1号欧美汇购物中

Bodhi Therapeutic Retreat A range of luxuriant massage options in stylish, minimalist surroundings. Offers aromatherapy massage, Thai massage, foot massage and Chinese body massage. Bodhi’s Chinese therapist is trained in TCM. Daily 11am12.30am. 17 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District.

(6417 9595) www.bodhi.com.cn 菩提会所, 朝 阳区工体北路17号 Dragonfly Therapeutic Retreat Rapidly expanding Shanghai-based chain of high-end spas. Chinese, shiatsu and foot massages start at RMB 150 per hour. An exhaustive menu of spa packages, such as an hour each of full-body and foot massage, starts at RMB 290. Daily 10am-1am. 1) 1/F, Grand Summit Plaza, 19 Dongfang Donglu (100m north of Lufthansa Center), Chaoyang District.

(8532 3122); 2) 60 Donghuamen Ave (near The Peninsula Hotel and Oriental Plaza), Dongcheng District. (6527 9368); 3) B1/F, Eastern Hotel, Nansanlitun Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6593 6066) 悠庭保健会所, 1) 朝阳 区朝阳区燕莎桥东方东路19号外交会所1层（燕 莎中心路北100米）; 2) 东城区东城区东华门大 街60号(近王府饭店和东方广场); 3) 朝阳区朝 阳区三里屯南路逸羽酒店1层 GREEN T. HOUSE Living Daily 11.30am11.30pm. 318 Shunbai Lu, Hegezhuang Village, Cuigezhuang, Chaoyang District. (6434 2519, 136 011 37132, 136 011 37232) 紫云轩 茶事, 朝阳区崔各庄乡合各庄村顺百路318号 Kocoon Kocoon sets itself apart from the pack, specifically because it lacks the outrageously girly frills and frou-frou nonsense that the average Beijing nail bar is synonymous with. Natural light seeps through every part of the lounge, with natural wood, and abundant greenery sectioning off individual areas. There are 12 spa stations,

DIRECTORIES where you can indulge in all manner of hand and foot treatments, although reservations are recommended for the two private spa rooms (for treatments, massages and facials).

Tue-Sun 10.30am-8.30pm. 1) Kocoon spa in The Oppo­site House.Taikoo Li, Build­ing 1, 11 San­l­i­tun RoadChaoyang Dis­trictBei­jing 100027, Chaoyang District. (137 179 434 06); 2) No. 106, 1st floor, East side of the building16, San­l­i­tun South RoadChaoyang Dis­trictBei­jing China, 100027Sub­way Line 6: Dongdaqiao station, Exit BBus Stop: No. 43, Chaoyang District. (132 416 960 21) www. kocoonspalounge.com 1) 朝阳区中国北京 市朝阳区三里屯路11号1号楼瑜舍酒店B2 邮 编：100027; 2) 朝阳区北京市朝阳区南三里屯 路16号泰悦豪庭底商106 邮编：100027 The Wellness Spa by Hummingbird Hummingbird Therapeutic Retreat’s second branch. The Wellness Spa’s facilities are twice as big as they are at the original location, boasting a 32 customer capacity, a custom-made Ayurvedic massage bed and Hummingbird’s first-ever VIP suite.

1) Park Avenue, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6530 6042); 2) Bldg 26, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6533 6922) www. hummingbird.net.cn 1) 朝阳区朝阳公园南路 6号公园大道; 2) 朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号新城 国际26号楼

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 Hilton Beijing Located along the east Third Ring Road, the Hilton Beijing offers easy access to Sanlitun, the CBD and the embassy district, as well as the Airport Expressway.

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

popular tourist sites within a 40-minute drive, it’s also the perfect base for tourists. Terminal 3, Beijing Capital International Airport, Chaoyang District. (6458 8888) www1.hilton. com 北京首都机场希尔顿酒店, 朝阳区北京首 都机场三号航站楼 Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center Located in the heart of Beijing’s central diplomatic and business district, the Kempinski Hotel Beijing boasts a blend of European style with elements of Beijing’s rich cultural history. In addition to 526 guestrooms and suites, including four executive floors and eight no-smoking floors, the hotel also has eight fully equipped banqueting/conference facilities accommodating up to 1,300 people.

The hotel also has seven restaurants and bars, including the Paulaner Bräuhaus boasting the city’s finest Bavarian food and microbrewed beer, and Kempi Deli, renowned for its gourmet European cakes and pastries. On the 18th floor overlooking Beijing’s skyline is the swimming pool of Pulse Health Club, which also includes a fitness centre, tennis courts and squash courts.The Kempinski also manages a neighbouring eight-storey complex offering 12,500 square metres of office space, 42 shops and showrooms and 170 fully furnished one to four bedroom apartments. Facing the Liang Ma River, the complex also contains a 24-hour serviced international medical centre, dental clinics and fully equipped children’s park and nursery. Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (6465 3388) www.kempinski.com/beijing 凯宾斯基饭 店, 朝阳区亮马桥路50号 The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu This renovated elementary school proves there is more to Mutianyu than just the Great Wall. Located 90mins northeast of Beijing (via Jingcheng expressway) and offering a restaurant with fresh local ingredients, art glass studio and art room and is a creative way for the family to escape the city. Daily 9am-9pm. Mutianyu Village (for detailed directions, see website), Huairou District.

(6162 6506) www.theschoolhouseatmutianyu. com 慕田峪小园餐厅, 怀柔区慕田峪 (具体路 线请查看网站信息) The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing Old World elegance, plush comfort – everything you’d expect from this hallowed name, including impeccable restaurants such as the internationally themed Aroma and Yu (Cantonese/Sichuan). An in-house wedding chapel sets this hotel apart, but the 109sqm executive suites with innovatively partitioned living and entertaining quarters are where the Ritz really shines. 83A Jianguo Lu, China Central Place, Chaoyang District. (5908 8888) 北京丽思 卡尔顿酒店, 朝阳区建国路甲83号华贸中心 Traders Upper East Hotel Traders Upper East Hotel: With a modern, contemporary design, this Shangri-La-managed hotel has 409 guest rooms inclusive 22 suites and a large, luxurious Traders Suite. With a Grand Ballroom suitable for up to 400 persons supported by a boardroom and 15 breakout rooms of varying sizes, the hotel is also ideally suited for meetings and banquet events. 2 Dongsihuan Beilu (southeast of Xiaoyun Qiao), Chaoyang District. (5907 8888) www.tradershotels.com 朝阳区东四环北 路2号 (霄云桥东南角) 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

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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

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）

Travel Agencies

Atelier Created by two French artists, Atelier is a school dedicated to the study of the visual, literary and performing arts. Located in the heart of Sanlitun, Atelier is a space designed for creativity. The center offers high-quality courses led by professionals in their field for children, adolescents, and adults. Current courses include drawing, painting, sculpture, sewing, as well as courses in writing and theater. Atelier also offers courses specifically designed to help students who are preparing a Bachelor of Arts and/or admission to an art school. Atelier courses are taught in French and English; courses taught in Chinese will be offered in the near future. Atelier courses run throughout the year. Rm 202, Building C, Jinxiu Yuan, Xingfucun Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (6416 1614, 132 4018 4908, atelier@ atelier.cn.com) www.atelier.cn.com 啊特黎尔, 朝阳区朝阳区幸福村中路锦绣园C楼202室

Kingdom Travel This bilingual outfit arranges domestic and business air tickets, family vacation packages and weekend escapes. Suite 601, Bldg A, SOHO Shangdu, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (5870 0033, fit@kingdomtravel.com.cn) www. kingdomtravel.com.cn 中侨国旅, 朝阳区东大 桥路8号尚都国际中心A座601 Newman Tours (138 1777 0229, info@ newmantours.com) www.newmantours.com Sunflower Travel 22D, Bldg B, Ginza Mall, 48 Dongzhimenwai Dajie(8447 6361, tours@ sunflowertravel-cn.com. www.sunflowertravelcn.com, Dongcheng District. (8447 6361) 东城 区东直门外大街48号东方银座B座22D) Trekiz Trekiz.com is a one stop shop for all things travel. Create and book DIY travel itineraries online with Trekiz’s patented trip planner. Choose from hundreds of activities (and tours and treks and classes and cruises!) in countries and cities around the world. Book China flights and China hotels, too! Trekiz takes the headache out of travel planning with its great prices, wide selection and user-friendly interface. ((+86) 4001-873549) http://www.trekiz.com/ TUI China Travel Co. Ltd. With its extensive international network, this GermanChinese joint venture can arrange personalized tours to destinations both domestic and worldwide. Unit 921-926, Bright China Chang An Bldg, Tower 2, 7 Jianguomennei Dajie, Dongcheng District. (8519 8800, privatetours@tui.cn) www.tui.cn 途易, 东城区建国门 内大街7号光华长安大厦2座921-926

Fun Stuff Animal Attractions Beijing Zoo The conditions for the animals in the zoo and the behavior of some local patrons may upset animal lovers. However, things are improving, as the new chimpanzee and panda houses testify, and most kids will be oblivious to the zoo’s shortcomings and enjoy the vast collection of animals and the leafy compound, which was the former private garden of a Qing dynasty aristocrat. Apr-Oct: RMB 15, RMB 8 (students). Nov-Mar: RMB 10, RMB 5 (students), free (kids under 1.2m). RMB 5 for Panda House. Daily 7.30am-5pm (winter), 7.30am-6pm (summer). 137 Baishiqiao Lu, Xizhimenwai Dajie, Haidian District. (6831 4411) www.bjzoo.com 北京动物园, 海淀区西 外大街白石桥路137号 Blue Zoo Beijing Not to be confused with either the Beijing Aquarium or the Beijing Zoo, the Blue Zoo is actually an aquarium with an enormous coral reef tank containing eels, tuna, shark, stingrays and (we swear we’re not making this up) the occasional underwater marriage ceremony. RMB 90, RMB 60 (kids under 12 years old), free (kids under 1m).

Daily 8am-7.30pm (summer), daily 8.30am6.30pm (winter). Workers’ Stadium South Gate, Chaoyang District. (6591 3397) www.blue-zoo. com 富国海底世界, 朝阳区工人体育场南门

Art Schools Art Bug Singaporean art center ArtBug aims to make art accessible for everyone, with programs catering to children from ages 2-12.

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

For RMB 20 per year, their membership program is well worth it. Non-members pay RMB 80 for regular tickets and RMB 120 for 3D tickets. With the discount, members get 50 percent off on weekdays and 30 percent off on weekends and holidays. 1) B1/F, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang District. (6417 6118); 2) 3/F, Area C, Zhongguancun Mall (West of Dinghao Mall), Haidian District. (5986 3777) www. imegabox.com 美嘉欢乐影城, 1) 朝阳区三里 屯路19号三里屯Village南区地下1层; 2) 海淀区 中关村广场购物中心C区三层（鼎好西侧） Saga Cinema SA-42, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5905 6868) www.sagacinema.com 传奇时代影城, 朝阳区 朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾商业区SA-42

Go-Karting U-Speed Go-Karting Open year round, this giant indoor karting center offers much more than a choice between four-stroke, 160cc and 200cc go-karts. The center also offers VIP rooms, a games room – with pool, table football and arcades – and a bar/restaurant.

Ideal for conferences, team building and celebrations. Mon-Fri 1pm-1am, Sat-Sun 11am-1am. 1 Siyuan Qiao, Jingshun Lu (near Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast), Chaoyang District. (English: 186 1015 8386, Chinese: 6473 2548/6148, rockqoffroad@yahoo.com. cn) www.u-speed.com 优速卡丁车馆, 朝阳区 四元桥1号（近北京海航大厦万豪酒店 ）

Museums & Education China Science and Technology Museum Mammoth 48,000 sqm facility features five themed exhibition rooms (the Children’s Science Paradise, The Glory of China, Exploration and Discovery, Science, Technology and Life and Challenges and the Future) and an array of hands-on scientific exhibitions, a science playground and displays of Chinese exhibitions. Also boasts four state-of-the-art “4D” and 3D cinemas, and an array of dining options. Tue-Sun 9am4.30pm, extended hours for special events (ticket selling 8.30am- 3.30pm). 5 Beichen Donglu (ten minutes east of the south gate of the Olympic Forest Park), Chaoyang District.

(5904 1188) www.cstm.org.cn 中国科技馆, 朝阳区朝阳区北辰东路5号

Paleozoological Museum If your kid likes dinosaurs, take him on a whirlwind tour of paleontology at this museum that presents an extraordinary exhibition of the remains of dinosaurs and ancient animals that once trod the region of modern-day China. Ninety percent of the exhibited items are genuine fossils. RMB 20, 10(students). Tue-Sun 9am4.30pm (last ticket 4pm). 142 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng District. (8836 9280) 中国古动 物馆, 西城区西直门外大街142号 Sony ExploraScience Kids of all ages are sure to love this technologically sophisticated museum’s host of interactive displays, including robotic dogs who play soccer, musical sculptures, sound and light distortion machines, soap bubble rings and much more.

The staff regularly host live science shows in Chinese. RMB 30 (adults), RMB 20 (students), free (kids under 1.2m); buy your tickets at the museum booth outside the park’s south or east gates and you won’t have to buy park tickets as well. Mon-Fri 9.30am-5.30pm, SatSun 9am-6.30pm, closed on second Mon and Tue of each month. Inside Chaoyang Park (near the south gate), Chaoyang District.

(6501 8800) www.explorascience.com.cn 索 尼探梦, 朝阳区朝阳公园里（南门）

Parks & Gardens Beihai Park This park is a good example of a classic Yuan dynasty imperial garden and has the benefit of being good to visit in all seasons.

Ticket: RMB 10 (April-Oct); RMB 5 (Nov-March).

Half-price for students. Daily 6.30am-8pm (Nov-March); 6am-9pm (April, May, Sept, Oct); 6am-10pm (June-Aug). 1 Wenjin Jie, Xicheng District. (6403 1102) www.beihaipark.com.cn 北海公园, 西城区文津街1号 Botanical Garden and Wofosi With a state-of-the-art green-house and the largest plant collection in China, the Beijing Botanical Garden, located in western Beijing next to the Frangrant Hills, has a whole day’s worth of flora. The highlight is the artificial jungle inside the greenhouse, with orchids, tropical trees and cacti. The sprawling grounds also contain Wofo Si, the Reclining Buddha Temple. RMB 5 (addional RMB 5 for Wofo Si).

Gardens: Daily 6am-7pm (summer); 7am5pm (winter). Temple and greenhouse: Daily 8am-4.30pm (summer); 8.30am-4.30pm (winter). Wofo Si Lu, Xiangshan, Haidian District. Wofo Si Lu, Xiangshan, Haidian District. (6259 1283) 北京植物园和卧佛寺, 海 淀区海淀区香山卧佛寺路 Chaoyang Park Kitschy but fun. Kids can kick or throw a ball on the big grass field near the entrance, and the concrete podiums beyond are tree-free kite flying zones. There’s lots of room to stroll, a range of boating options, a handsome merry-go-round and many rides including a roller coaster, flying dinosaurs, bumper cars, sky swings and several large inflatable castles. On top of all this, Sony ExploraScience is also located in the park. The outdoor pool is a great place to while away a summer afternoon and winters see a makeshift ski slope go up near the west gate – thrill seekers can rent skis and inter tubes onsite. The delightful northwestern section of the park includes a lake, flower beds and grassy expanses where families can enjoy a picnic. RMB 5, RMB 2.5 (students), free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 6am-10pm (last entry at 9pm). 1 Nongzhan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6506 5409) www.sunpark.com 朝阳公园, 朝阳区农展馆南路1号 Ditan Park When it’s not being used as an exhibition space, the park’s centenarian cypress provide nice shade in summer, making it a pleasant destination for an urban picnic. The children’s activities are concentrated in the north end and include a go-cart track, bouncy castle, merry-goround and abrasively loud electronic games.

There’s also a fishing stream with magnetic fish for toddlers and a goldfish pond. Note that the Ditan Ice Arena, where you can teach your brood how to curl, is just east of

the park’s north gate. The area outside the south gate is popular with kite masters. RMB 2, RMB 1 (students). Daily 6am-9pm. A2, Andingmenwai Dajie, Dongcheng District.

(6421 4657) www.dtpark.com 地坛公园, 东城 区安定门外大街甲2号 Olympic Forest Park Beijing’s Olympic Forest Park is a large, man-made nature park at the north end of the Olympic Green.

Built for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, the park is oval in shape and features lake Wa Biancun in the center. The park features many walking and jogging paths. Several small islands in the lake are linked by bridges.

The southeast end of the lake has a handful of carnival rides for children. The south gate of Olympic Forest Park is accessible through South Gate of Forest Park station (森林公园 南门) on Line 8. Daily 6am-8pm (summer), daily 7am-7pm (winter).. 15 Beichen Donglu, Chaoyang District. (Southern Garden: 6452 9060, Northern Garden: 6452 9090) 奥林匹克 森林公园, 朝阳区朝阳区北辰东路15号‎ Ritan Park The CBD’s “lungs,” Ritan Park packs a surprising amount of child-friendly stuff into a limited space: the playground area includes an inflatable playhouse, large trampolines, a mechanical bull, a merrygo-round with Technicolor unicorns and an infrequently washed indoor playhouse. Other attractions include the fishing pond, climbing wall and mini-golf – the latter attracts few customers, so don’t worry about triplebogeying each hole. The altar is a great place to watch weathered gentlemen fly kites. If you need a snack, Schindler’s Filling Station, the Stone Boat Bar and Xiheyaju all have terraces opening onto the park. Free.

Daily 6am-8pm (summer), daily 6.30am-8pm (winter). 6 Ritan Beilu, Chaoyang District.

(8561 6301) 日坛公园, 朝阳区日坛北路6号 Si’de Park This Lido-area park boasts plenty that will keep the young’uns amused, including an inflated castle, indoor funhouse, outdoor playground, merry-go-round, football pitches, a rollerblading rink, and fishing pond. A circular walking track is popular with morning walkers – if you can get the crew out the door early enough, have fun watching the tai chi practioners. Free. Daily 6am-9pm.

Jiangtai Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6438 6093) 四得公园, 朝阳区将台西路

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

Gongti Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6593 6208) 翻斗乐, 朝阳区工体南路 Leaping Tots Daily 10am-8.30pm. Shop 382, 3/F, Indigo Mall, 18 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (5629 2778) www. leapingtots.com 乐兜儿童成长中心, 朝阳区酒 仙桥路18号颐堤港商场3层店铺号382 Mitty Jump 9.00am–9.00pm. 4th floor of the Lotus Shopping Mall and Poly Wanhe Cinema on Futong West Street in Wangjing, Chaoyang District. (8421-0908) http://www. mittyjump.com/ 米蒂跳, 朝阳区北京市朝阳区望 京东园一区120号楼四层（卜蜂莲花购物中心） Yu Kids Island The Place’s well-kitted indoor play area boasts a palm tree carousel, a bouncy slide, waterfall tunnel and a wind room filled with huge balloons – all wellpadded for maximum safety. Come and go as you like with a RMB 50 day pass; frequent funners will benefit from discount cards (RMB 500/30% discount; RMB 1000/50% discount). Daily 10am-10pm. 4/F, South Bldg, The Place, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (no phone) 爱乐游园地, 朝阳区光华路9号世 贸天阶南楼4层

DIRECTORIES Theme Parks Happy Valley Amusement Park Beijing’s best amusement park sprawls out across a square kilometer of land outside the East Fourth Ring Road and offers 40 rides, an IMAX theater, more than 100 games and seven cinemas. The park is divided into a number of themed areas inspired by such civilizations as Mayan Central America, Minoan Greece and Shangri-la – the little kiddies play in Ant Kingdom. The roller coasters are world class, the park is well maintained, and the lines for rides are fairly reasonable. RMB 160 (April 1-Nov 14); RMB 120 (Nov 15-March 31). Half price for kids 1.2-1.4m, free for kids under 1.2m. Daily 8.30am-10pm. Wuji Beilu, Dongsihuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (6738 9898 ext 0, 6205 0088, happyvalley@bjoct.com) http:// bj.happyvalley.com.cn/park/ 北京欢乐谷, 朝 阳区东四环路小武基北路

Water Parks Crab Island It’s no Ibiza, but it’s closer than Qingdao and the substantial fake beach boasts real, well-maintained sand and comes dotted with free sun umbrellas and chairs.

When the wave pool gets turned on, families charge into the huge pool – the docile waves are best enjoyed while perched on an inner tube (RMB 10, RMB 50 deposit). When your kids get tired of the wave pool there are two sets of waterslides, an extremely lazy river, and a human-powered waterwheel that dumps buckets of water on eager heads. A shallow water play area draws in families with little kids. All in all, a pretty good day at the “beach”! Daily 8am-1am. 1 Xiedao Lu (take the Weigou exit off the Airport Expressway and follow the signs), Chaoyang District.

(8433 5566/5588) www.xiedao.com 蟹岛绿色 生态度假村, 朝阳区蟹岛路1号 Merry Waterworld Itching for a dip? This indoor pool emporium located in the Tulip Hot Spring Garden Resort allows for yearround swimming fun. Adventurous swimmers will rush for one of the six tall waterslides, while the less energetic family members can stick to the lazy river. There’s also a large wave pool, a children’s area, a lap pool and several hot tubs. Weekdays: RMB 98, RMB 60 (kids under 1.4m), free (kids under 1.2m).

Weekends: RMB 138, RMB 60 (kids under 1.4m), free (kids under 1.2m). Daily 1pm10.30pm, holidays 9am-10.30pm. Jinzhan, Dongweilu (Take the Airport Expressway to the Weigou exit. Turn left at the first stoplight, right at the second, and then go straight), Chaoyang District. (5166 6846) www.yujinxiang.com 摩锐水世界, 朝阳区东 苇路金盏 Splash Recreation Club Boasts a large outdoor/indoor pool, a sand volleyball court, a playground, a gym, pingpong tables, a poolside bar and restaurant. The hotel also has squash and tennis courts as well as a sauna. Mon-Fri: RMB 80, RMB 40 (children); Sat-Sun: RMB 140, RMB 70 (children). Free for children under 1m. Daily 6am-10pm. SinoSwiss Hotel, 9 Xiao Tianzhu Nanlu, Shunyi District. (6456 5588 ext 1217) http://www. citichotelbeijing.com/ 浪花俱乐部, 顺义区小天 竺南路9号国都大饭店 Tuanjiehu Park Tuanjiehu is home to downtown Beijing’s best and most hygieneconscious water park, which is great fun on weekdays but crowded on weekends.

Tuanjiehu also features a roller-skating park, several rides and boats. Beach: RMB 20, RMB 15 (kids). Pleasure boats: RMB 30-60/ hr, RMB 50-100 (deposit). Roller-skating: RMB 5 (entrance), RMB 10 (skate rental). Daily 10am-9pm. 16 Tuanjiehu Nanli, Chaoyang District. (8597 4677) 团结湖公园, 朝阳区团 结湖南里16号 Water Cube (Happy Magic Water Cube Waterpark) Next door to the Bird’s Nest, and affectionatelyreferred to as the “Water Cube”, this USD 200 million Australian-

designed structure is regarded as the perfect yin to the Bird’s Nest’s yang – a comforting “curvy” contrast to the rigidity of the stadium. Drawing inspirationfrom nature, the bubble-wrapped exterior answers an old physics problem about how to fill space most efficiently (the answer: two bubbles of equal volume but different shape). Bubbles also make for sleek earthquake-proofconstruction, without the need for obtrusive concrete or structural beams. Presuming that they get their daily wipes, this translucent covering of plastic “pillows” (100,000 square meters in total) helps reduce the amount of energy needed for interior heating and lighting, while allowing in more light and heat than glass would. Other green features include the recycling of 10,000 tons of rainwater collected by the outer surface and roof. Post-Olympics, the Cube has opened the warm-up pool for public swims, while renovations will dismantle temporary seats to create an aquatic center and water theme park. RMB 30 (tour only), RMB 50 (swimming), RMB 200 (water park) locker rental RMB 30 Daily 10am-9pm.

Olympic Park, 11 Tianchen Donglu, Chaoyang District. (8437 8086) http://waterpark.watercube.com/english/index.aspx 朝阳区奥林匹克 公园天辰东路11号水立方嬉水乐园

Schools Educational Services The Edge (Beijing) Now in mainland China, The Edge is Hong Kong’s premier educational counseling service. The company provides students and families with insider knowledge of the overseas college and boarding school admissions process, as well as customized and comprehensive educational services. 14/F, 2 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District. (400 608 3070) theedge.com.hk 朝阳区朝阳区工体北路2号14层

Schools School fees listed are for one academic year unless otherwise. Specified.Abbreviations: IB = International Baccalaureate; ESOL = English as a Second or Other Language American International Academy of Beijing (AIAB) Founded in 2012, AIAB provides a bilingual Montessori-based teaching approach to preschool that also incorporates elements of the Chinese National Curriculum. School facilities include Montessori classrooms, a dance studio, library, music room, baking room, meeting room, clinic, and outdoor playground. Age range: 18 months-6 years. Tuition fees (2013-2014 academic year): RMB 82,500/11 months (full day); RMB 50,600/11 months (half day); RMB 5,000 per Session (optional summer camp, Session 1: Jul 15-26, Session 2: Jul 29-Aug 9) Bldg 5, 78 Baiziwan Nan’erlu, Chaoyang District. (8776 0606, apaiacademy@gmail.com) www.aiab.com. cn A 派国际双语幼儿园, 朝阳区百字湾南二路 78号院5号楼

solvers, empathetic citizens and resilient individuals. The school offers a fully bilingual curriculum so that children are immersed in an environment where both English and Chinese are consistently used all day. Children learn in a warm, close-knit environment maintained by a low student to teacher ratio. Special needs children are welcome and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Age range: 1.5–6 years 2014-2015 Tuition Fees: RMB78,800/year (half-day), RMB 92,800/ year (full day) Global Trade Mansion, 9 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang District. (6591 8169, admissions@anricedu.com) www.anricedu. com 安杨蒙台梭利小屋, 朝阳区光华路9号安杨 蒙台梭利小屋 Beijing BISS International School (BISS) With a diverse student body, Beijing BISS International School’s mission is to foster international relationships to educate and empower students to attain personal excellence and positively impact the world. BISS offers the IB Diploma Program, serves as an SAT Test Center, caters to children with learning needs, and offers counseling, student enrichment programs, university searches, and transitional education services to third-culture kids and their parents. Age range: 3-17. Tuition fees (20122013 Academic Year): RMB 18,000-23,000 (refundable deposit); RMB 3,800 (registration); RMB 99,000 (Kindergarten); RMB 146,400177,500 (Grades 1-12); RMB 20,000 (ESOL) Bldg 17, Area 4, Anzhen Xili, Chaoyang District.

(6443 3151, admissions@biss.com.cn) www. biss.com.cn 北京BISS国际学校, 朝阳区安贞西 里四区17号楼 Beijing City International School (BCIS) The school motto of BCIS is “Empowering and inspiring throughchallenge and compassion.”

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

BCIS offers an international curriculum for Nursery through Grade 12 students under the International Baccalaureate (IB) World School system and isauthorized to teach all three IB programs (Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma). The campus culture is characterized by a warm and inclusive nature and an emphasis on personalized rigorousacademic inquiry through the extensive use of information technology in the classroom. Age range: 3-18.

Tuition fees (2012-2013 Academic Year): RMB 2,000 (registration fee); RMB 5,000 (new student fee); RMB 132,600 (Nursery); RMB 144,500 (Pre-K); RMB 154,000 (Kindergarten); RMB 186,300 (Grade 1-2); RMB 188,700 (Grade 3-5); RMB 195,300 (Grade 6-8); RMB 199,100 (Grade 9-10); RMB 206,600 (Grade 11-12) 77 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu, Chaoyang District. (8771

7171, admissions@bcis.cn) www.bcis.cn 北京乐 成国际学校, 朝阳区百子湾南二路77号 Beijing Huijia Private (IB) School Beijing Huijia Private (IB) School is comprised of a kindergarten, primary school, junior high school and senior high school. It is a day and boarding school where Chinese and foreign students study together, and it is the first member school of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in China that admits Chinese students.

With a mix of Chinese and foreign students (from 15 countries) and more than 500 Chinese and foreign teachers and staff, it is one of the largest private schools in Beijing. Age range: 3-18. Tuition fees (2013-2014 Academic Year): RMB 1,000 (application fee); RMB 20,000 (deposit); RMB 146,600/year (Grade 1-2); RMB 148,200/year (Grade 3-4); RMB 152,500/year (Grade 5-6) 157 Changping Lu, Changping District. (400 889 1993, admissions@huijiaedu. org) www.huijiaedu.org 北京汇佳私立学校, 昌 平区昌平路157号 Canadian International School of Beijing (CISB) Opened in September 2006, CISB offers a Montessori Nursery and PreKindergarten program, as well as a Canadianstyle curriculum for K-12 students. CISB is a three-program IB World School: IB Primary Years Program, IB Middle Years Program and the IB Diploma Program. The student body currently represents over 60 nationalities and has the capacity for 1400 students. Age range: 18 months to 18 years. Tuition fees (20132014 Academic Year): RMB1,800 (Application Fee); RMB76,600 (Half-Day Montessori Nursery); RMB121,800 (Pre-Kindergarten & 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 Eduwings Kindergarten The culmination of two former schools, Der Kingergarten and Jin Yi Kingergarten, Eduwings Kindergarten is divided into English/Chinese and German departments that are each split into three age groups (2-3, 3-4, 5-6 years) and one infant group (2 years and under). All of the lead and language teachers are native-speakers and educate children individually following the school’s philosophy: “Every child needs to have roots and wings – roots to know where they are from and wings to explore the world.” Age range: 2-6 (infant group for under 2 years old).

Tuition fees (2010-2011 Academic Year): RMB 52,000 for half day program; RMB 72,000 for full day program (afternoon activities and lunch included in the tuition fee). Merlin Champagne Town Clubhouse, 6 Liyuan Jie, Tianzhu, Shunyi

AnRic Little Montessori Room (AnRic LMR) AnRic LMR is a full international member school of the American Montessori Society. The multicultural classroom aims to help children develop into self-directed learners, flexible thinkers, creative problem

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District. (6450 8384, mariaseemel.eduwings@ gmail.com) www.eduwingskids.com 金翼德 懿幼儿园, 顺义区天竺镇丽苑街6号美林香槟小 镇俱乐部 Etonkids Bilingual Kindergartens Tuition fees (2010-2011 Academic Year):Monthly payment plan - Morning session (8.3011.30am) RMB 6,250; Full-day session (8.30am-4.30pm) RMB 8,500; Yearly payment plan - Morning session (8.30-11.30am) RMB 62,500; Full-day session (8.30am-4.30pm) RMB 85,000 1) Central Park Campus: Bldg 19, Central Park, 6 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6533 6995, Peking House Campus: xuyan@etonkids.com or zhoudan@ etonkids.com, Central Park Campus: cpadmin@ etonkids.com, Palm Springs Campus: psadmin@etonkids.com, Midtown Campus: gcadmin@etonkids.com); 2) Midtown Campus: Bldg 21, Guangqujia Yuan, Guangqumen Waidajie, Chongwen District. (6749 5008, Peking House Campus: xuyan@etonkids. com or zhoudan@etonkids.com, Central Park Campus: cpadmin@etonkids.com, Palm Springs Campus: psadmin@etonkids.com, Midtown Campus: gcadmin@etonkids.com); 3) Palm Springs Campus: Palm Springs International Apartments, 8 Chaoyang Gongyuan Nanlu, Chaoyang District. (6539 5967, Peking House Campus: xuyan@etonkids.com or zhoudan@ etonkids.com, Central Park Campus: cpadmin@ etonkids.com, Palm Springs Campus: psadmin@etonkids.com, Midtown Campus: gcadmin@etonkids.com); 4) Peking House Campus: 20 Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang District.

(5870 6778/9, Peking House Campus: xuyan@ etonkids.com or zhoudan@etonkids.com, Central Park Campus: cpadmin@etonkids.com, Palm Springs Campus: psadmin@etonkids. com, Midtown Campus: gcadmin@etonkids. com) www.etonkids.com 伊顿双语幼儿园, 1) 朝阳区朝阳门外大街6号新城国际19号楼; 2) 崇 文区广渠门外大街广渠家园21号楼; 3) 朝阳区 朝阳公园南路8号棕榈泉国际公寓; 4) 朝阳区西 大望路20号 Etonkids International Kindergarten Age range: 1.5-6 years old. Tuition fees (20102011 Academic Year): Annual Registration fee RMB 2,000 Yuan (inclusive the materials and uniforms) RMB71,800-112,000/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 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. Age Range: 9 weeks-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

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international students. Students can choose to study Mandarin as part of the Chinese language program or take classes with regular middle and high school students.

Department of International Students, The High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China, 37 Zhongguancun Dajie, Haidian District. (6251 3962, guojibu3962@sina. com) www.rdfz.cn 中国人民大学附属中学（ 简称人大附中）, 海淀区中关村 大街37号人大 附中国际部 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. Age range: 1-12.

Tuition fees (2012 Academic Year): 3 Day Toddler (Age 1): RMB 41,000; 5 Day Toddler (Age 1): RMB 65,000; Morning Nursery (Age 2): RMB91,000; Full-day Nursery (Age 2): RMB 135,000; Morning Kindergarten (Ages 3-4): RMB 95,000; Full-day Kindergarten (Ages 3-4): RMB 140,000; Reception (Age 5): RMB 157,000; Elementary (Ages 6-12): RMB 163,000. Bldg 8, 2 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District. (6432 8228, admissions@msb.edu.cn) www.msb.edu.cn 北京蒙台梭利国际学校, 朝阳 区朝阳区香江北路2号院8号楼 Keystone Academy Keystone Academy will open in Shunyi District in the fall of 2014. Keystone promises to be a unique and exciting school option for families in China – offering Chinese and American instructional techniques of inquiry-based learning, criticalthinking, and creative problem solving in a rigorous intellectual environment. The academic program will be international in scope, with a central curriculum thread that focuses on Chinese identity, language, culture, and history. Keystone will serve students grades 1 through 12, with a bilingual curriculum in the primary years and more intensive instruction in English as students progress through the program. There will be a boarding school option for Grade 7 and 8, and mandatory boarding in Grade 9-12.

Houshayu Town, Shunyi District. (5825 6008, admission@keystoneacademy.cn) www. keystoneacademy.cn 北京鼎石国际学校, 顺 义区后沙峪镇 The British School of Beijing (BSB) The British School of Beijing, established in 2003, 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

Shopping Home Accessories and Gear BabyGro Beijing BabyGro is Beijing’s one-stop shop for imported maternity, baby and toddler gear. Run by moms for moms, BabyGro stocks safe, innovative and high quality products. They have a large selection of maternity items and pregnancy clothes, as well as breast pumps, bottles, formula, safety items and toys for babies and kids. Brands include ERGObaby, Grobag, Medela, EGG Maternity, Sono Vaso, Crayola, Mini Micro, Recaro, Micralite, Trunki, Skip Hop, Playgro and Organic Family. 1) Mon-Fri 10am-7pm. Shop 5058, Bldg A, 5/F, Chaowai SOHO, 6 Chaowai Lu (across from Central Park), Chaoyang District. (5900 0601, johanna@babygro.com.cn); 2) Wed-Sun 10am5pm. Cathay View Garden Shopping Mall (next to Beijing Riviera Villas), 2 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang District. (8470 1690, johanna@ babygro.com.cn) www.babygro.com.cn 慧宝, 1) 朝阳区朝外路6号朝外SOHO5层A座5058店铺（ 新城国际对面）; 2) 朝阳区香江北路甲2号观唐 广场二期商铺 baby international Started by parents for parents, this Shanghai-based online store offers Chinawide shipping for its quality baby products, which include strollers, car seats, clothing, organic baby food and toiletries.

Daily 10am-7pm. Rm 2371, 3/F, North Tower, SOHO Shangdu, 8 Dongdaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (5900 1476, info@baby-international. com) www.baby-international.com 国际宝贝, 朝阳区东大桥路8号SOHO商都3层2371店铺 Beijing Torana Clean Air Center Air purifiers from Blueair and Alen Air, pollution masks from Totobobo. Free home assessments and delivery. 1) Daily 10am-8.30pm. Unit LB09, 1/F, Europlaza Mall, Shunyi District.

(8459 0785); 2) 10.30am-6.30pm. 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

Tsinghua International School (THIS) Tsinghua International School students follow an American Curriculum program in a nurturing atmosphere. Tsinghua International School located on Tsinghua University campus, allowing students access to the university’s extensive resources and facilities, including libraries, computer labs, gymnasiums, sports fields, dance and art studios, a swimming pool, fitness center and outdoor experiential education center.

Accepts students Grades 1 to 12 (ages 6-18).

Grades 1-5: 89,000 RMB per year, Grades 6-12: 99,000 RMB per year. Inside Tsinghua High School Campus, Zhongguancun Beilu (northwest of Tsinghua University), Haidian District (6279 7000, 6277 1477, this@mail. tsinghua.edu.cn) http://www.this.edu.cn/清华 大学附属中学国际部，海淀区中关村北路清华大 学西北侧清华中学校园之内 Western Academy of Beijing Western Academy of Beijing is an International Baccalaureate World School that boasts a “challenging and caring educational environment in which students are active participants in the learning process.” WAB provides a learner-centered atmosphere that nurtures a strong sense of community among its 1,550 students from 55 countries, with the mission to “Connect, Inspire, Challenge: Make a Difference.” Campus facilities are extensive and include a lake and model wetlands that are the foundation of its environmental science center.Age range: 3-18 years old. Tuition fees (2010/2011 Academic Year, combined total includes capital levy and tuition): Nursery RMB 85,000; PreKindergarten RMB 141,000; Kindergarten RMB 165,000; Grades 1-5 RMB 165,000; Grades 6-8 RMB 181,000; Grades 9-10 RMB 198,000; Grades 11-12 RMB 204,000 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

Counting Sheep Children’s Boutique Counting Sheep offers gear for moms, dads and kids. From maternityclothes, baby furniture, baby shower gifts to party items.

International brands include Stokke, Bloom, Boob, Baby Bjorn, Ergo Carriers, Hotslings, Bravado, Chicobello, Fleurville, BamBam, Big Bobby Cars, and Trunki. Sun-Thurs 10am7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-8pm. 17 Gongti Beilu (1/F of Bodhi bldg, directly across from north gate of Workers Stadium), Chaoyang District.

(6417 7622, ask@countingsheepboutique. com) www.countingsheepboutique.com 洋洋 宝宝店, 朝阳区工体北路17号（工体北门对面）

HealthPro® Swiss Made by IQAir AG With record levels of air pollution, families need an air purifier now more than ever. Protect your health with one of HealthPro®’s top-rated air cleaning systems. HealthPro® Swiss Made by IQAir AG promises near-perfect levels of clean air with zero loss of efficiency between filter changes. The type HyperHEPA filter technology is certified to capture 99.97% on particles down 0.3 microns, and 99.5% on particles down to 0.003 microns – 800 times smaller than PM2.5. 1) B1/F, 03A Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu, Shunyi District. (6457 1922, info@

DIRECTORIES iqair-china.com); 2) Daily 10am-10pm. 5/F, Household Appliance Area, Youyi Shopping City, 52 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. (158 0136 1601, info@iqair-china.com); 3) 10am8pm. 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@iqair-china.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@iqairchina.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 Mothercare Mothercare, the acclaimed British brand, is a global specialist retailer of clothing, home and travel and toys for mothers to be, babies and young children. Sells hard-to-find clothes for kids age 6 and younger, as well as a wide range of nursery furniture and nursery equipment. Find maternity clothes, strollers, bedding, car seats, playpens, baby monitors, children’s clothes and other elusive products at this chain. Daily 11am-10pm. 1) Stall B2122, 1 Senlingongyuan Lu, Jingzhan Xiang, Shunyi District.; 2) Stall 121-123, Beyou World, 111 Jingshun Lu, Chaoyang District.; 3) 5/F, Wangfujing Baihuo, 255 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District. (8529 1777); 4) Stall 41284130, 4/F, Jinyuan Xinyansha Shopping Mall, 1 Yuanda Lu, Haidian District. (8886 5506); 5) SMM-42, 1/F, Solana, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5905 6134) 1) 顺义区 金盏乡森林公园路1号B21-22商铺; 2) 朝阳区京 顺路111号比如世界1F121-123商铺; 3) 东城区王 府井大街255号王府井百货5层; 4) 海淀区远大路 1号金源新燕莎购物中心4层第4128-4130商铺; 5) 朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区SMM-42 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 Villa Lifestyles Villa Lifestyles has been serving the Beijing community for more than five years. Providing you with quality name brand products backed by great service, they have the widest selection of BBQs and accessories, the Mosquito Magnet, trampolines, IQAir air purifiers, Bissell Vacuums and more.

Stop by their Shunyi showroom or visit their

website to have a look at what’s new. Daily 10am-9pm. B1/F, 03A Europlaza, 99 Yuxiang Lu, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi District. (6457 1922, info@villalifestyles.cn) www.villalifestyles.cn 顺 义区天竺镇裕翔路99号欧陆广场地下1层03A

Sports Sports Beijing Sports Beijing is a non-profit organization that provides sports and recreational activities to the children of Beijing. Modeled after North American and European community sports organizations, Sports Beijing offers more than 15 sports and recreational programs, including baseball, basketball, flag football, floor ball, gymnastics, ice hockey, martial arts, rugby, skiing, soccer, swimming, tennis, track and field/athletics. Available for young athletes (ages 4-18) and their families. Mon-Fri 10am6pm. 2/F, Lido Country Club, 6 Jiangtai Lu, Chaoyang District. (6430 1370) www.sportsbj. org 朝阳区将台路6号丽都乡村俱乐部2层

Climbing Vogmask® China Vogmask is the leading anti-pollution mask available in China. Using a revolutionary microfiber filtration fabric, it filters an average of 99.978% of particulate matter (PM) – including tiny PM2.5 particles.

Vogmask meets US FDA requirements for N99 rating, meaning it outperforms standard N95 masks. Vogmask comes in sizes suitable for babies, young children, teens and adults. They require no filter changes and can be used for hundreds of hours without replacement. Vogmask designs can also be customized for businesses and schools. Rm 1801, Air China Plaza, No.36 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District. (400 650 1253, info@ vogmask.cn) www.vogmask.cn 威隔口罩, 朝 阳区霄云路36号国航大厦1801室

Photography Studios & Services 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 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 Moxue Zhang Photography Trained at the Hallmark Institute of Photography in the US, Moxue Zhang is a portrait photographer with a studio in Central Park. While her focus lies on children and female solo portraits, Moxue has experience with a wide range of subjects – from weddings to executive portraits – and welcomes challenging assignments. Rather than mass production, the outcome of each shoot is an individual piece of art. For on-location shoots, Moxue is relatively flexible within or around Beijing. Appointments are best booked one month in advance to guarantee availability; walk-in clients are not accepted. (156 0056 6329, moxue@moxuezhang.com) www. moxuezhang.com 默雪映像 PIXSTUDIO Beijing’s premier creative fine art portrait studio specializing in 100-day portraits, kids, and commercial photography.

(6500 1663) www.pixstudio.com.cn 美国大 卫儿童摄影

O’le Climbing O’le Climbing is the city’s premier indoor climbing gym, as well as the meeting place and events center for the Beijing climbing community. Opened in 2008, they are one of China’s longest-running climbing centers. Whether it’s your family’s first time or not, O’le’s friendly, nationally-certified, and bilingual staff will “show you the ropes.”O’le’s top-roping and lead climbing wall is 12.5m high and features 7 roped climbing stations with numerous professionally-set routes suitable for novices and experts alike. Staff members frequently change the holids and routes, so there’s something new every time. The center also has one of the best indoor bouldering rooms in China, with 150sqm of verticals, slabs, bulges, and a 45° overhanging wall.O’le Climbing offers private lessons for children or groups and has an O’le Kids Climbing Club that meets every Saturday morning to train and have fun.O’le Climbing also hosts birthday parties, offering climbing and other activities for kids, like box climbing, slacklining, and indoor soccer.Directions: If you’re coming from Baiziwan Lu, turn south on Shimencun Lu and walk around 200m until you see a hotel on your right. There will be a toll booth with a traffic gate; walk around the gate and head down the small road behind it. After about 100m, take the first left; O’le Sports will be on the righthand side. Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am8pm. 5 Shimencun Lu, Baiziwan Qiao Dong, Dongsihuan Zhonglu, Chaoyang District. (186 1846 1002, oleclimbing@gmail.com) www. oleclimbing.com 奥莱攀岩, 朝阳区朝阳区东四环 中路百子湾桥东石门村路5号

Football (Soccer) ClubFootball ClubFootball runs football coaching programs at 20+ locations across Beijing for boys and girls aged 4 to 14. Held after school, on weekends and during holidays, courses range from fun skill development courses to competitive league teams and are taught by ClubFootball’s experienced FAqualified soccer coaching staff. 9am-6pm. Unit A316, Door 3, Zone A1, Zhaowei Huadeng Plaza, Zhaowei Building #51, 14 Jiuxianqiao Road, Chaoyang District. (5130 6893/4/5/6, coaching@wanguoqunxing.com, activities@ wanguoqunxing.com) www.clubfootball.com.cn, www.wanguoqunxing.com 万国群星足球俱乐 部, 朝阳区万国群星办公室位于朝阳区酒仙桥路 14号兆维华灯大厦A1区3门A316，工作时间为上 午9点至下午6点。联系方式为 Jia You Football Club Jia You Football clubs offers children the opportunity to take their first steps into football. Players Jia You F.C. come from around the world and are led by FAqualified coach Gary Saunders and his coaching team, whose have over 15 years of football experience in China. From Saturday morning toddler sessions to Sunday Youth League matches, Jia You aims to have something for every age group. Training sessions take place both during the week and on weekends at Dulwich College Beijing’s campuses. The club also hosts football camps in Beijing over school holidays. Dulwich College Beijing (Legend Garden Campus), 89 Capital Airport Road, Shunyi District. (6454 9019/9127, gary.

saunders@dulwich-beijing.cn) www.dulwichbeijing.cn/page.cfm?p=442 顺义区机场高速路 89号北京德威英国国际学校（丽京花园校园）

Sailing Beijing Aofan Sailing Club Located in Beijing Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park, this exclusive sailing club in Beijing offers two-day and fiveday training courses throughout the season with a wide range of sailing boats for both kids and for adults. Regular events are held for members (for free) and visitors. Discounted packages including courses and membership are available. Interested parties can attend one of their bi-monthly open sessions before signing up. Inside Beijing Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park, Shunyi District. (5949 4599) www. aofansail.com 北京奥帆帆船俱乐部, 顺义区白马 路19号奥林匹克水上公园内 Beijing Sailing Center Located 90mins from Beijing by train, the Beijing Sailing Club provides a range of dinghy sailing boats to suit all abilities and age groups, from Optimists for kids fun, Topper Topaz for adult learners through to the Topper Omega for spinnaker and trapezing experience.

Qualified English and Chinese instructors offer weekend courses for those wanting to gain experience (RMB 1,900) and the 1 hour Sailing Experience (RMB 240) is a gentle introduction to dinghy sailing and features of each sailing boat. Open May-Oct. 22 Wenti Road, Haigang District, Qinhuangdao. (0335 856 0916, enquiries@beijingsailing.com) www.beijingsailing.com 秦皇岛市海港区文体 路22号 Fangze Xuan West Room,South Gate Ditan Park,Dongcheng District, Dongcheng District. (6424 8713, sailing@beijingsailing. com) www.beijingsailing.com O’le Afloat The people behind O’le Sports have launched O’le Afloat, a new sporting initiative that organizes water sports activity days in Shunyi, including sailing, paddleboarding, and raft-building. O’le Afloat also offers birthday parties, including a “Pirate Day” in which kids get to go out on boats and do pirate-themed activities. For older kids, the party can be tailored to include more technical sailing activities. (peter@ole-sports. org) www.ole-sports.org/afloat

Scuba Diving 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

Swimming Aqua Warriors Swimming Club Founded in 2011, Aqua Warriors Swimming Club counts more than 300 swimmers among its members. The club regularly cooperates with American and Canadian swim clubs and has held two world-standard training camps in the past. It also organizes annual swim meets in Beijing. Teachers use scientific training methods to enhance students’ interest in swimming and improve their performance. www.aquawarriorsbj.com 勇者体育俱乐部 Dragon Fire Swim Team Nearly 130 international students receive training in competitive swimming under the tutelage of founder and head coach Kevin Hua. Instruction is offered for kids ages 4-18 at the beginning (able to swim 10m), intermediate and advanced levels. The team has competed in races in Singapore and Hong Kong, and also competes with local Chinese teams.

RMB 60-90 per lesson, RMB 1,200-4,500 per season (depends on the level, number of times a week, etc), plus RMB 300 registration fee. Training is offered at various times and locations, seven days a week.To register, contact Coach Hua. (136 0106 4534, dragonfireswimming@gmail.com) www. dragonfire.com.cn

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

Skate Beijing 2014 From April 18-20, 12 teams from Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Xiamen, Changchun, Chengdu, Hong Kong, Macau and Taipei competed in Skate Beijing 2014 at Le Cool Ice Rink. There were 586 individual events and 16 team events, including synchronized skating, ice dancing, and figure skating. The event was sponsored by beijingkids and JingKids.

photos: sui

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THE CIRCUIT Send an email with the date of your event, a brief description, and at least three high-resolution photos (1MB and over) to webeditor@beijing-kids.com by June 13.

Little Champions On April 23, students from the International Montessori School of Beijing took place in a race at the annual Reception Cross Country Race attended by parents and teachers.

photos: courtesy of msb and bca

The Students Become the Masters On April 29, students from Beijing Collegiate Academy held the first student-led conferences in which they prepared past term work and presented it to parents on classroom tours. They explained the various projects and lessons they’ve been working on in all subjects.

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Keystone Holds Information Session for First Students and Parents On April 24, Keystone Academy welcomed its founding students and parents at an information session led by senior staff members. The talk also updated parents on upcoming teacher training, finalization of the primary and middle school curricula, and the progress of the campus construction.

May the Opposite House Be with You On May 3, Darth Vader, Stormtroopers, and the Rebels landed at the Opposite House’s atrium and Village Cafe for Star Wars International Day. The hotel served themed food and drinks, which the characters served to guests.

photos: courtesy of keystone and greg chen

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THE CIRCUIT NCWCH Grand Opening of New LDR Units On April 22, Beijing New Century Women’s and Children’s Hospital (NCWCH) held a ribbon cutting ceremony to open its new LaborDelivery-Recovery (LDR) units. The LDR units provide labor, delivery and recovery services for pregnant women.

photos: ncwch and ysa

Easter Puppets Storytelling Time On April 21, Young Starters Academy’s parent volunteer group used puppets and Easter eggs to narrate their version of the Easter story. The interactive performance ended with a dance with the children.

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Family Day at BIBS On April 26, Beanstalk International Bilingual School the school community for the annual Family Fun Day with exhibitions, bouncy castles, food and games.

Sports Day at BIBA On April 30, Students from the Beijing International Bilingual Academy (BIBA) took part in various activities such as sponge racing, bean bag carrying, and 50m hurdle racing at the annual Sports Day with parents and staff cheering them on.

photos: courtesy of bibs and biba

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THE CIRCUIT CISB Drama Club Performs A Fairy Tale Adventure From April 25-26, Canadian International School of Beijing drama club members staged a production of A Fairy Tale Adventure.

Students from Grades 6-11 took part in various roles both onstage and off-stage.

photos: courtesy of cisb and lmr

LMR Visits Reptile House On April 17, kids from AnRic Little Montessori Room (LMR) visited Beijing Zoo’s Reptile and Amphibian House. Kids identified different reptiles from pictures of reptile skin, drew what they saw, and made 3D figurines of their drawings.

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Learning to Share the Road On April 16, students from Harrow International School Beijing took part in a school initiative to raise awareness for Road Safety Day. Most of the students wore their Road Safety t-shirt; each class created a road safety poster and worked on activities designed by their teachers.

Back to School, Daddy On May 10, House of Knowledge International Kindergarten’s (HoK) Shunyi Campus held a Daddy-Child Day where all the students’ fathers tagged along. They made cards and presents for Mother’s day, sang songs, and played fun games.

photos: courtesy of harrow and hok

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THE CIRCUIT Daystar Marks Eighth Annual Sports Day On April 30, Daystar Academy students, parents, and staff took part in the school’s eighth Track and Field Fun Sports Day. Events included kids’ 50m sprint, a parents’ 500m run, a thre- legged race, bean bag throwing, high jump, and tug of war.

photos: courtesy of daystar and bcis

BCIS Students Show Off their Work at IB MYP Exhibition On April 29, Grade 10 students at Beijing City International School (BCIS) held their annual IB MYP Personal Project Exhibition. Students spoke about the challenges and benefits of their project, which included original knitted hats sold for charity, a 3D vitual hutong house, and an editorial internship at beijingkids. Special “hello” to former beijingkids intern Gurkriti Singh!

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Eduwings Does Easter On April 27, families from Eduwings kindergarten made their way to the Shunyi Olympic Rowing-Canoeing Park to celebrate Easter with a picnic and a bag hunt.

DCB Celebrates Founder’s Day On May 10, Dulwich College Beijing held its annual Founder’s Day celebration of school life, with international food, music and drama performances, art displays, and sports.

photos: courtesy of eduwings and dcb

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THE CIRCUIT BJU and Boy Scouts Hold Blood Drive On May 10, Beijing United Family Hospital and Clinics, the Boy Scouts Troop 943, and the Tongzhou Blood Center held a blood drive at the International School of Beijing’s Spring Fair. There were a total of 29 blood donors.

photos: courtesy of bju and 3e

Community Get-Together at 3e On April 26, 3e International School welcomed the Beijing community to its annual Charity Community Day with activities, food, and performances. One hundred percent of the RMB 2,300 raised through table sales was donated to Roundabout.

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Favorite Family Restaurant Pinotage Shunyi.

This South African restaurant is very kid-friendly and has a playroom for children.

Favorite Day Trip The Huanghuacheng section of the Great Wall, by the lake.

Favorite Weekend Activities We like to play golf, do sports, see friends, and relax.

Best Places to Play Outdoors would be Hujing Water Park in Huairou and indoors would be the Kerry Adventure Zone.

New Discoveries We’ve been enjoying Beihai Park recently.

Favorite Way to Relax Watching a movie

Date Night We like Temple Restaurant Beijing.

Best Place to Celebrate Nobu

Favorite Neighborhood Sanlitun has it all!

Favorite Places to Shop For both ourselves and the kids, we go to Gap and Solana.

F

renchman Brice Péan moved to Beijing one year ago with his family to open Kempinski’s largest resort in China at Yanqi Lake.

This veteran general manager and his wife Claudia, a jewelry designer, have two children: Carina (age 20) and Maxim (9).

Maxim speaks fluent Chinese and serves as Brice’s personal translator whenever they go out. We met up with the Péan family at their home in Shunyi to find out what they like to do when Brice isn’t busy preparing for the resort’s grand opening. Clemence Jiang

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photo: MOXUE ZHANG PHOTOGRAPHY

The Péan Family