The opening ceremony in Brazil may be a distant memory for many football fans, but celebrations are yet to come for the International Youth Football Tournament. The Great Wall Cup is entering its fifth year in Beijing in July and August. The tournament gives young teams from around the world the opportunity to compete while experiencing Chinese culture. And while Italy didn’t show their true colors in the World Cup, there are other ways to enjoy Italian delights; Shunyi has a number of great Italian restaurants. If you’re longing for something more exciting than just floating on a lilo (inflated pool seat), head to Splash Recreation Club at Beijing CITIC Airport Hotel. Their series of pool parties continues with a Las Vegas-themed event.
Great Wall Cup Opening Ceremony
The Great Wall Cup Youth Football Tournament is one of the leading youth tournaments in Asia, taking place this year between July 28 and August 1. The tournament welcomes teams from all over the world to further their football potential.
The opening ceremony will be held at Beijing New Talent Academy on Sunday, July 27 from 2-5pm. The Cup will kick off with a match between Footskills Australia and Beijing Guo’an Youth Team. For more info, visit www.thegreatwallcup.com.
Spaghetti and Sambuca
Annie’s
Winning “Best Italian” at the 2014 Beijinger Reader Restaurant Awards was a special milestone for Annie’s. Since the first awards were introduced in 2004, Annie’s has won the title every year.
There are currently some seasonal promotions on offer, such as two-for-one Italian digestifs like grappa, sambuca, limoncello, or amaro (available every day from 5pm). For an afternoon indulgence, buy any dessert and get a free tea or coffee (available Monday to Friday from 2-5pm). If you’re having take-out, enjoy half price on selected beers and soft drinks. Offer includes Coke, Sprite, Tsingtao, Carlsberg, and Heineken.
Michael’s Place
Michael’s Place offers tasty Italian food with friendly and reliable service. It’s a great place to take the kids, with child-friendly menu options, highchairs, and a play area. The restaurant also offers takeout and catering.
Loft Eatalicious
Loft Eatalicious has a lovely bistro vibe where you can enjoy classic pizzas, creamy risottos, pasta dishes, and well-made desserts. Their outside seating area is a great place to relax while indulging in some great food and wine.
Galati Italian Restaurant
Galati has a very large and comfortable dining space. Perfect for casual lunches or a more intimate dinner, with a superb range of meat and fish dishes, wood-fired pizzas, authentic pasta dishes, and very indulgent desserts.
Summer Themed Pool Party
Fancy a bit of Vegas without losing money at the casinos? Head over to Splash Recreation Club at CITIC Hotel Beijing Airport for their Las Vegas-themed pool party on Saturday, July 26 from 2-9pm. There will be pool games, prizes, an open bar, and a free buffet. Call 6456 5588 for details.
beijingkids Shunyi Correspondent Sally Wilson moved to Beijing in 2010 from the UK with her husband and son. Her daughter was born here in 2011 and both her kids keep her happily busy. In her spare time, Sally loves to stroll through Beijing’s hutongs and parks. She is a (most of the time) keen runner and loves reading: books, magazines, news, and celeb websites – anything really. Sally is also a bit of a foodie and loves trying out new restaurants.
Photos courtesy of Alpha, Margot Cable, Michael Fletcher, Raffaele Nicolussi & China Sports Tours (Flickr).
