Dad, Michael Lunn is the General Manager of Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel and Chairman of the Marriott North China Business Council. Michael has been in China for 13 years. Mom, Nancy Zhan Jinlin, is a former English teacher and now a full-time mom. The couple met in Wuhan back in 2006. This is the second time the couple has lived in Beijing. This time, they’ve got two little ones to show all their favorite Beijing places to.
Favorite way to transport the family around the city
Walking with the stroller in and around Wangfujing, and DiDi!
Favorite Spot to Relax
Usually Sanlitun, but recently we have enjoyed walking down to the terrace at WF Central. The boys love playing on their scooters while we enjoy a coffee at Baker & Spice.
Favorite neighborhood
Wangfujing, where we live. There are no high rise buildings and it’s easy to walk around. There are parks and lots of new dining options in this area to keep us busy.
Favorite Website
Taobao — Nancy should have shares in the company!
Favorite parents date night
Date night is a rarity for us, but when we do go out it’s usually to Great Leap or Slow Boat for some local craft beer and burgers.
Favorite Weekend Activity
Swimming classes every Sunday morning.
Favorite Non-Chinese Restaurant
Hatsune at WF Central. We love the food there. The boys lap up their beef noodles, and they’re very kid-friendly.
Favorite Chinese Restaurant
We eat a lot at WanLi at Renaissance Beijing Wangfujing Hotel. WanLi’s Cantonese food is fantastic. We also like to drop in at Guo Zhao on Chunxiao Lu which serves up Wuhan’s famous dry hot noodles. Nancy and I need our regular fix.
Favorite place to play outdoors
Jingshan Park. The boys like looking for squirrels and listening to the retirees sing traditional Chinese songs.
Favorite shop for groceries
Sanyuanli Market
Adapted Chinese Culture
Drinking baijiu when the family get together over the holidays.
Family Rituals
The boys have to have a ride on the merry-go-round whenever we are near Hamleys in Wangfujing, and every night before bed we read them a bedtime story.
This article appeared in the beijingkids October 2019 Family Foodies issue
