What's Fun In
Fuchengmen
Wander through the peaceful streets while soaking up Chinese history
Built in 1267 by order of Emperor Kublai Khan, Fuchengmen was one of the most important gates to the city of Beijing. Until the Qing dynasty (1648-1911), it was the main passageway for coal transportation, hence its other name, “Coal Gate.” Although the gate and its attached city wall were knocked down in the 1970s to facilitate construction, the area still bears the name Fuchengmen. Visitors won’t find any skyscrapers here – at least not yet. Instead, an assortment of historical and cultural relics awaits in this relaxing area, with tasty local snack stands to distract you on a sunny day.
Wantong Market
Gongti
Looking at Workers’ Stadium with a family view
As the Olympics fast approach, the area affectionately known as “Gongti” is changing by the day, beginning with the recently refurbished Workers’ Stadium and Gymnasium and continuing with openings of new shops and restaurants, in addition to improvements to old venues. Walk around, and you’ll quickly realize it has more to offer than just bars and clubs. There are also plenty of wholesome activities that will appeal to both children and parents, including art galleries, bookshops, sports and playgrounds.
Panjiayuan
Hidden treasures in Beijing’s favorite antique market
For five days a week, Panjiayuan is a sleepy shopping spot with a handful of calligraphy stalls and jewelry stores dotted around the perimeter of a forgotten square. But come the break of dawn on Saturday until early Sunday evening, people arrive from all corners of China, it seems, and head to this famous marketplace to pore over its curios and obscure objects of desire. You can easily spend a day sifting your way through the trinkets and “antiques,” and get a glimpse into one of Beijing’s oldest and best-known cornerstones.
Along Fuxing Lu
Fuxing Lu extends from Fuxing Bridge on the Second Ring Road in the east to Wukesong by the Fourth Ring in the west. Considered an extension of Chang'an Street and a business center in West Beijing, many head offices of big banks and companies are located in this part of town. But if you happen to look beyond the corporate buildings, you'll notice that the area of Fuxing Lu covers many interesting cultural sites perfectly suited for adventurous parents and kids.
Along Subway Line 5
Train-hop your way through the city
The long-anticipated opening of Beijing’s Line 5 subway has eased the commute for those traveling north to south within the city. In addition to connecting numerous residential complexes to business and commercial areas, the new line has also unlocked a treasure trove of fun places rich in local flavor and culture. Here's our guide to discovering both old and new Beijing, and all within the Third Ring Road.
Xizhimen
Making the most of the northwest Second Ring
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, Xizhimen was the location of one of nine internal city gates of Beijing. Nothing now remains of this grand portal – a flyover and subway stop can instead be found in its place, but the schools and colleges in the neighboring Haidian district have given rise to numerous locations ideal for students and families.
Wangfujing
Hidden gems around Beijing's main strip
Also known as "the Gold Street" by Beijing residents, Wangfujing has been a locacl attraction since 1903. Today, it has grown into a center of modernity and fashion, with numerous venues for shopping, dining, entertainment and education, all whilst maintaining its historical charm. Amani Zhang
The Golden Standard
Endless entertainment at the Golden Resources Mall
Situated between the northwest corners of the third and fourth ring roads, this mega mall (it’s the world’s second largest!) could keep a family of 12 occupied for a week with its miles of shops and restaurants, plentiful amenities (like free parking and free stroller rental), and, most importantly, endless offerings for kids. To help you map out a plan and maximize your mall crawl, here’s our guide to the eight coolest things for families. Golden Resources Mall. 1 Yuanda Lu (300m north of Changchun Qiao), Haidian District (8887 5888) www.newyanshamall.com 金源新燕莎商城，海淀区远大路1号(长春桥北300米)
The ABCs of the CBD
Beyond the Skyscrapers
Feast in Peace
Thanks to the children’s playground at its doorstep, tasty Italian joint Casa Mia lets you savor your meal in peace without having to worry about your little ones overturning the table after bolting down their food – grab a seat outside and you can keep an eye on things while you spaghetti-twirl. The menu is full of family-friendly pizza and pasta offerings with reasonable price tags. Casa Mia. (Some English spoken; English menus.) Daily 10.30am-10.30pm. 1/F, Bldg C2, Sunshine 100, Tower C, Guanghua Lu (next to the children’s playground), Chaoyang District (5100 2522) 卡萨米亚意大利餐吧, 朝阳区光华路2号阳光100国际公寓C座底层 (儿童游乐园旁边)
Sony ExploraScience
If you’re looking for a low maintenance way to entertain your kids for a few hours, this museum located on the grounds of Chaoyang Park could be the answer. It’s easy on both the legs and the pocket: RMB 20 per child gets you access to three small floors packed full of interactive exhibits designed to let you experience “the excitement, the wonder and the joy of science in action.”
