Canadian Mark Francis is the General Manager of Langham Place, Beijing Capital Airport. After living in Melbourne, Australia, Mark and his wife Carmen, from New Zealand, moved to Beijing with their children Ben (10) and Bradley (8).They’ve been residing in Beijing for nearly three years. The family to time out to share their favorite places to shop, eat and have fun in the capital. Would you like to share your Beijing Favorites? E-mail editor@beijing-kids.com.
Favorite Shopping Spot
Tianya Hongqiao Market near the Temple of Heaven, or Yansha Outlets on Dong Sihuan if we don’t feel like bargaining. For something smarter, we go to Zara in Solana.
Family Rituals
On Saturday morning, the boys and I watch cartoons until the smell of Carmen’s pancakes hits us.
Favorite Dessert
Coldstone Creamery or Gelare.
Best Playground
We like Chaoyang Park if it’s warm, and Houhai in the winter. Playing on the ice is a definite family favorite.
Best Day Trip
The boys love going on daytrips to Mutianyu where they can take the sled down from the Great Wall.
Favorite Family Restaurant
Haru in Shunyi. The private rooms mean kids can still play without disturbing other guests. The boys also like the huge pizzas at Kro’s Nest. Our new favorite is Fuel in Langham Place for pizza, ribs and burgers.
Best Date Night Spot
A real treat for us is Made in China at the Grand Hyatt. We love Sureno in the Opposite House as well as Hasune in Sanlitun Village. However, King’s Bar in Shunyi is a great night out for Carmen and me: a few pints of Guinness, a pepperoni pizza and watching Rugby Union – specifically the All Blacks going after the Wallabies.
