You Can Drop Off the Kids and Enjoy a Sea of Cosmos Blooms – This Beijing Family Resort Is a Major Hit!
This family-friendly getaway is located in Beijing’s Yanqing district, about an hour-plus drive from the city center – a perfectly manageable distance. Where exactly is it? Well, it’s Club Med Joyview Yanqing. The moment I stepped inside, I knew my own time had finally arrived. For a family trip, this place is a true paradise.
The check-in staff were wonderfully attentive. A tiny wristband was the all-access pass here. Xiao Kun slipped on his little wristband and couldn’t wait to join the activities at the Mini Club. The moment we entered our room, our parent-child getaway officially began. First-time visitors might not be familiar with all the ways to play here, but don’t worry – you can grab a schedule at the front desk or check the resort’s official account to learn about the different activities and plan your days around your interests.
It was also my first time here with Xiao Kun, like embarking on a new adventure. Picture-perfect scenery unfolded right before our eyes. We arrived in the afternoon; it had been raining on the way, and I worried we wouldn’t be able to enjoy ourselves. But luckily, the skies cleared and gave us a wonderful surprise. The post-rain sky was magnificent. I took Xiao Kun to his favorite family activity center.
From the hotel lobby, a corridor leads directly to the kids’ activity area. This corridor is uniquely designed and a great spot for photos. Xiao Kun loved walking back and forth here, even breaking into a little run now and then – only when no one else was around, of course. He said he liked the glasshouse feel, as if he were strolling through the sky. My friend and I ambled along, taking our time. It felt less like going somewhere and more like a leisurely walk to soak in the surroundings.
What can’t you miss?
1. Pack the kids off to childcare and enjoy some me-time.
At Club Med, this is an absolute must – and I bet it’s many parents’ favorite service. As long as your child is four or older, you can sign them up in advance according to the Mini Club’s schedule and just pick them up at mealtime. Trained staff lead the kids in loads of games. Since parents aren’t allowed inside this area, as your exploration scout, I’ll give you a full sneak peek.
The unique music room:
Kids can try all kinds of instruments that make beautiful sounds. There are also little drums they can play simply by picking up a mallet. Children who want to play the piano can step on the floor piano with their feet and create lovely tunes. I also spotted a big screen that looks like a karaoke setup – maybe the G.O.s will even organize a sing-off. There’s a small stage here too, with rows of seats below. Who’s ready to take the stage? It might just be your little one.
Join the G.O.s for drawing and doodling – whose artwork will be the most creative?
Looking at the kids’ newly finished paintings, you can just sense the wild imagination behind them. These artworks are snippets of their childhood, forming the sweetest memories. There are also electric mini-games and all sorts of fun corners. What I found most considerate was the kids’ own bathroom. Outside the hand-washing area, the design is high-tech and sensor-operated yet full of personality. Kids try to figure out where the water comes out, which makes them actually love washing their hands.
In fact, once parents hand their kids over to the G.O.s, they can go off and do their own thing. There are plenty of adult-oriented activities, truly allowing parents and children to enjoy themselves without getting in each other’s way. And if your child can’t be left in the childcare program, no worries – there are specially designed family activities. Parents can accompany kids into play areas with different themed nooks: let them prepare a pretend lunch in a play kitchen or ride a mini train – Xiao Kun’s absolute favorite. Beyond that, there are various other parent-child spaces to meet every need.
2. Take a courage challenge – the flying trapeze awaits!
When I saw the flying trapeze, it felt so familiar. It instantly reminded me of the acrobatics shows I watched on TV as a child, one of which was the flying trapeze. The activity schedule clearly marks the trapeze experience times. Since it requires professional staff to operate, make sure you note the time if you want to try. But don’t worry about missing out – there’s plenty of time to give it a go.
3. A wide range of sports – let’s all be sporty kids!
A football match vs. a basketball game – which do you prefer? Sports are a must here. On the basketball court, an exciting game was in full swing, with parents joining in. When was the last time you played basketball with your child so freely? Many of us feel too busy, so make up for it during the holidays. Football fans can show their skills on the pitch. Table football? I’d never heard of it before, let alone seen it. And then I became Xiao Kun’s 'target'.
Actually, it was because I was sitting on the sideline, and Xiao Kun kicked a ball that hit me right on the head. Good thing my head is hard! This also reminds parents that safety matters: in this activity, the ball shouldn't be kicked out of bounds. When Xiao Kun made a mistake, I corrected him promptly. Respecting the game rules ensures everyone has a good time. Here’s a psychology tip: when a child makes a mistake, correct it right away. If you’re in a public place, first take the child aside, keeping their self-esteem in mind. Don’t just let it slide because they’re young.
Want to ski? Don’t doubt it – you can do it right now. Here you can try skiing, 20 minutes per session. For those who want to learn or are already practicing, it’s a great two-in-one opportunity. Train well in summer, and come winter you can hit the slopes for real. Xiao Kun loved archery. Under the G.O.’s guidance, he struck a perfect pose – hitting the bullseye does take practice, after all. Parents can join in too. When several kids line up together, it looks just like an archery contest. Table tennis is also available; kids can practice with each other or challenge mom and dad to see who’s best.
4. A variety of movie experiences – VR or a group film?
Only children aged 11 and up can try the VR experience, to protect their eyes. I totally agree with and appreciate this rule. It shows the resort genuinely cares about kids’ health. Xiao Kun wanted to try it but followed the rules. He chose to watch a big-screen movie with other children instead. With one kids’ movie after another, they were spoiled for choice.
5. Join a dance performance with the G.O.s.
In the afternoons and evenings, you can enter a world of dance together with the G.O.s. These G.O.s are truly multi-talented. Not only do they bond effortlessly with the kids, but when showtime comes, they turn into the brightest stars on stage, equally skilled at singing and dancing. Kids can also join stage rehearsals and performances, putting on a surprise for their parents in the evening. Xiao Kun first performed at a resort when he was four – not this one in Yanqing, but Club Med gave him the chance to be on stage, which built his courage.
Indoor fun is fantastic, and outdoors is just as brilliant.
With so many indoor activities, the outdoors keeps up the pace. The open-air Songgu Paradise is Xiao Kun’s true love. Nestled in the cosmos flower sea, this playground is a wellspring of children’s laughter. All kinds of slides and climbing structures are the ultimate magnets for kids. Xiao Kun could play here for an hour and still want to come back in the afternoon. That’s the magic of this playground – over several days, it’s where he spent the most time.
Meeting the cosmos flowers, a slice of Tibet’s beauty right here.
Earlier I mentioned the huge cosmos flower field. I’d always wanted to take Xiao Kun to Tibet, and here we got a sneak preview. You can spot cosmos flowers in other places, but never such a vast expanse. Calling it a flower sea is no exaggeration. I absolutely love it here – rushing into the blossoms for photos is a must. Songgu Paradise sits right in this flower sea, lending the children’s playtime a touch of romance.
Not far off stands a church – not a functioning church in the traditional sense, just a standalone structure, yet it adds a distinct character to the scenery. Within the flower sea, there are two paths: one for cycling and a wooden boardwalk for walking, so you can stop anytime for photos. This thoughtful design keeps cyclists and pedestrians from disturbing each other. Strolling along, you might stumble upon a cat-themed café. Why not go in for a coffee or a refreshing drink and soak up this romantic summer?
What activities can parents choose?
Kids have so many fun options, and moms and dads certainly aren’t left out. Mountain biking is one of them. After dropping off the kids, head to the booking center and try a mountain bike ride. Cycling right through that cosmos flower sea turns a simple ride into something romantic and picturesque. If you’d rather not pedal, you can opt for an electric bike – you just need to be at least 18.
Effortlessly enjoy different scenery. I find the resort so thoughtful – I was just telling my friend in the morning that I’m more suited for an e-bike, haha. Ladies can also choose yoga and aerobic exercises, all healthful options with professional instructors guiding you, so you won’t feel alone. Working out with companions boosts your confidence, too. If you love dancing, sign up for a dance class. With so many wonderful activities, pick your favorites and jump in.
You can also go grape-picking. The Cloud Winery offers guests a premium wine experience. The summer-limited vineyard tour gives you a perfect chance to harvest summer sweetness and get close to nature. The winery boasts 660 acres of vineyards, supplying high-quality wine to the resort (and its wine club), along with wine-tasting classes. Hop aboard the little train and embark on a grape-and-wine journey.
After all this, I’ve realized Club Med Yanqing is packed with amazing activities – it feels like if you can imagine it, they have it. The little windmill is a spot every visitor snaps a photo at; it’s practically Instagram-famous. Xiao Kun and I, of course, couldn’t miss it, and kids can join various activities around there too. Wow, with so much to enjoy, we really didn’t want to miss a thing. Do you like the sound of this place? Are you tempted? There are currently special offers, so now’s the perfect time to go.
Foodie battle:
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all served buffet-style, and a Chinese restaurant will open soon as well. The buffet is incredibly varied, with a full spread of Chinese and Western dishes, and plenty of kids’ favorites. All kinds of after-meal sweets show careful consideration. My favorites are the cold appetizers, which taste great. Food is available throughout long hours every day, so you never have to worry about your child going hungry. The thoughtful staff even prepare little biscuits – when kids need a snack between meals, they can have some during the allowed times. Every time I visit, it’s a breeze; I don’t need to bring any extra food.
Health and safety tips:
The resort strictly follows local government and health department guidelines, implementing eight major preventive measures to keep parents and children safe. In these special times, let’s all cooperate. Have your health QR code ready in advance and truthfully report any required information.
Tips for visiting with kids:
1. A two-night, three-day stay is ideal. The resort has hundreds of acres of flower fields, lush natural surroundings, an indoor sports center with high-tech activities and children’s facilities, and natural hot springs. Many of these experiences are not to be missed, so allow enough time.
2. This is the largest Club Med indoor playground in China. In the Art Workshop, Game Factory, and Music Academy within the children’s club, kids can play to their hearts’ content and broaden their horizons. In the Happy Family Space featuring a game room, high-tech facilities, a nursery, and a mini kitchen, you’ll treasure precious parent-child moments. In the family cooking kitchen, learn to cook alongside your child and taste handmade French cuisine – how can you pass up these kid-friendly experiences?
3. Yanqing is a summer retreat, so mornings and evenings can be cool, especially after rain. Be sure to bring a light jacket for your child. The indoor water park isn’t open yet; when it does, bring swimwear and summer water-play clothes.
4. An all-inclusive package is the most cost-effective. There are two ways to enjoy the resort: room-only with activities, or the all-inclusive option. With all-inclusive, you don’t need to worry about food and drinks – all kinds of beverages and coffee are unlimited in the kids’ activity area and lobby. The bedroom also has an extra menu for ordering food, which is a thoughtful touch for families who aren’t on the all-inclusive plan.
Want to stroll through nature in the morning, as if you’re in a garden in the south of France? Want your kids to make new friends? Want a refreshing yoga session right in that cosmos flower sea? Then come to Club Med Joyview Yanqing – it can fulfill all your wishes. After so much traveling with Xiao Kun to many places, here I could quietly write a few words, effortlessly take some photos, and truly enjoy our own separate times as well as our loving parent-child moments. Now it’s time to take action – let’s go!