Singaporean Kristin Koh is the brains behind My Little Mozart Studio while her husband American Lei Fu works for Microsoft Corporation. With their son Jason (9) and daughter Jillian (5), they moved from California to China and have been living in Beijing for the past three years. This active family shared their favorite haunts for family-friendly sports, eats and shopping.
Best Place to Play
Chaoyang Park or a museum.
Family Rituals
We like outdoor sports. Right now, the kids like playing tennis. Lei plays squash at Golf Palace Apartments (高尔夫公寓), which is near Chaoyang West Gate. Skiing during the winter is a hit.
Kids Beg to Go
Ice skating at All Star Champion Skating Club in Solana, fishing in Miyun and rollerblading.
New Discoveries in Beijing
For toys, we like Bairong Mall (百荣国际小商品城), near Muxiyuan. The 2/F, 4/F and 7/F are dedicated to toys. We also like the eateries hidden among the hutongs; they’re charming and the food is scrumptious.
Snow Day
If possible, we go skiing at Nanshan Ski Village. If not, we stay at home or go to a mall; our favorite is Solana.
Favorite Shopping Spot
Dongsishi area. Kristin loves browsing all the shops along Nanluogu Xiang for clothes. For children’s clothes, she opts for the Zoo Market (Dongwuyuan Wholesale Market).
Favorite Family Restaurant in Beijing
The children love Annie’s. Kristin likes the brunches at Westin Chaoyang and Hilton Beijing Wangfujing.
The Perfect Day Trip
Whenever possible we like to drive out to Miyun County. The sights and sounds are excellent sources of inspiration when Kristin is designing her curriculum.
Favorite Dessert
Banana splits at Element Fresh and bubble tea.
Photo by Mishka Family Photography.
