Shunyi’s newest hot spot combines outdoor sports,
Zen massages and global eats
The charm of downtown Beijing is undeniable, but recently Shunyi residents need not trek far to have their pick of international cuisines or outdoor recreation. Lakeview Place, a newly built entertainment area down the road from the International School of Beijing, has enough shopping, dining, sporting and pampering options to please the most demanding Beijinger.
Surrounded by a 40,000sqm man-made lake, the recreational complex has a soccer field, an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, a golf course and a mini-theme park for the kids. (Some activities require a fee.) Weekends find families and couples strolling the commercial street and popping into April Gourmet, Schindler’s Food Center, or even Citra Narcissus and Furongfang for custom-tailored clothes. No need to leave Fido at home; families can bring dogs and cats along and pick up some pet supplies on the way home.
Worked up the munchies after a game of tennis (or a marathon shopping session)? Lakeview’s restaurant row boasts cuisines from all over the world. Sate your appetite with Russian stewed beef pots at Russlan, Mexican food at Meches, sushi at Yotsuba, Malaysian laksa at The Niah, or Middle Eastern dishes at Za’atar. For those wary of shopping or breaking a sweat, Zen Yue Spa is a haven of luxurious massages. Cecily Huang
Lakeview Place
Southeast corner of Dragon Bay Villa
Shayu Ring Road, Houshayu Town, Shunyi District
Directions from downtown: Take Jingshun Road past Sunhe Bridge. Turn left at Maliandian Crossing near Crown Plaza Hotel, left at the second traffic light, then left at the fourth intersection.
Pampers
Our four-pawed friends love unconditionally, can’t wait to play, and never complain about sleeping on the floor. So when their coats are less than pristine after a rigorous afternoon of play, take them to this professional pet services outfit for some serious pampering in the form of showers, grooming sessions, and manicures. Pampers will even throw your favorite pooch a birthday party, create a photo album and provide health consultations and pet boarding. This store also sells pet food and litter, chew toys, cat hairball remover and other supplies. Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat-Sun 10am-9pm. 1-3 Lakeview Place, 1 Shayu Huanlu (southeastern corner of Dragon Bay Villa), Houshayu, Shunyi District (8042 2281) 顺义区后沙峪镇沙峪环路1号 (龙湾别墅东南角) 乐客湾1-3
Za’atar
With simple, beautiful Arabian décor, Za’atar serves up authentic Middle Eastern cuisine prepared by chefs from Iraq, Egypt, Palestine and Syria. Try the slow-roasted lamb shank, shawerma and grilled chicken served in a warm pocket of bread. The baba ghanoush – minced eggplant with peppers and tomatoes – and labaneh bil zeit – a creamy homemade white cheese in olive oil – are seasoned with the region’s traditional spices. For dessert, children will be delighted with baklava, a nutty, honey-sweet pastry, and a milk-and-rosewater pudding served with fresh fruit. A welcoming waitstaff and family restroom are some of the special touches that make this restaurant a great pick for an evening out with the kids. Daily 10am-10pm. Unit 2, Bldg 3, Lakeview Place Dragon Bay Villa, Huan Lu, Houshayu, Shunyi District (8042 2248) www.zaatarbj.com 顺义区后沙峪镇沙峪环路3号
Zen Yue Spa
At this lofty spa set above the lotus-covered lake, clients can indulge themselves in full spa services, including hydrotherapy,
massage, body wraps and scrubs, and facial treatments. You can relax with a sensual aromatherapy massage (RMB 380), a double combination of strokes and acupressure applied with essential oil of Bulgarian roses, jasmine and ylang-ylang. For a gentle experience, the Zen Yue Taiji Signature Massage (RMB 480) combines Chinese taiji and western essential oils. Home service is also available. Daily 9am-midnight. Bldg 5, Lakeview Place, 1 Shayu Huanlu, Houshayu, Shunyi District (8042 2285/6) 顺义区后沙峪镇沙峪环路1号乐客湾广场5号楼
Citra Narcissus
Sure, anyone can buy their clothes off the rack, but why not impress with a bespoke suit? Drop by this custom tailor shop and get fitted for handmade suits, shirts, qipaos or evening gowns. Named for the handsome, vain youth of Greek mythology, Citra Narcissus might have you looking so fine that, you, too might fall in love with your own reflection. Look out for handcrafted jewelry and children’s party dresses (RMB 200-500). Daily noon-9pm. 7 Lakeview, 1 Shayu Huanlu (southeastern corner of Dragon Bay Villa), Houshayu, Shunyi District (8042 2281) 顺义区后沙峪镇沙峪环路1号 (龙湾别墅东南角) 乐客湾7
Sushi Yotsuba
Dubbed one of the most authentic Japanese restaurants in Beijing by dining editors, Yotsuba is a must for sushi lovers. This eatery for fresh, traditional Japanese fare has opened its second branch in Beijing – a bigger venue in Lakeview with private rooms and two sushi bars where you can watch the chef slice your sashimi. The set lunch menu offers soup, salad and one of six sushi combinations for RMB 99. Tue-Sun, 11.30am-2pm, 5-10pm. F2, Bldg 8, Lakeview Place Dragon Bay Villa, Huan Lu, Houshayu, Shunyi District (8042 2284) 顺义区后沙峪镇沙峪环路1号乐客湾8号楼2层
Paradiso Cafe and Bakery
This American-style sandwich bar provides a spacious place for students – or anyone wistful for collegiate days – to stop by for an afternoon bite. Good bets include classic American burgers served with french fries, lettuce, tomato and cucumber (RMB 35, 45) and hot panini sandwiches (RMB 23-28). Linger over a coffee, smoothie, or bowl of ice cream. Mon-Fri 8am-9pm; Sat-Sun 7am-9pm. Room 1, Bldg 8, Lakeview Place Dragon Bay Villa, Huan Lu, Houshayu, Shunyi District (8042 2213) 顺义区后沙峪镇沙峪环路1号乐客湾8号楼1铺
