Julia Chow and her husband Kwok are from the UK and have been living in Beijing for six years. They have a 18-month-old son named Luke and both of them work at Dulwich College Beijing, where Julia is the community programs manager and Kwok is the director of sports. Here are some of their favorite spots around Beijing.
Favorite Day Trip
We like to go up to Mutianyu and stay at one of the houses. Many of these houses have travel cots, which is a bonus for people with very small children. In the fall, we take Luke to the park so he can run through the fallen autumn leaves. He loves the sound of the leaves crunching under his feet.
Favorite Dessert
Ice cream. Our favorite brand is Movenpick or Ben & Jerry’s.
Favorite Shopping Spots
French Connection, Zara, H&M, Mango and Steve Madden. I also do a lot of online shopping from the UK such as Topshop, Dorothy Perkins and ASOS – all of which deliver to China. For children’s clothes, we go to Zara, Okaido and Mothercare.
Family Favorite Restaurant
Blue Frog has good food and high chairs for Luke. A close second would be Element Fresh, which also has high chairs and a nappy changing facility. We also like to The Opposite House for a weekend breakfast treat.
Favorite New Hangout
We rely on recommendations for new hangouts from friends, beijingkids magazine and the Yahoo group Beijing Mamas.
Favorite Weekend Activities
We both work and Luke goes to the Dulwich Toddler Classes during the week, but it’s nice to hang out around the Lido area on the weekends. We like to go to Si’de Park, where Luke can play in the kid’s area.
Best Place to Celebrate a Special Occasion
Sunday brunch at The Kempinski or The Westin Beijing Chaoyang.
