10 things to do this Father's Day in Beijing

It's time to spoil the big man

Well done: you remembered Father's Day. That's the first step (it's tomorrow, by the way). It can be pretty tough coming up with some ways to show our fathers just how important they are, and just how much they mean to us.

We've compiled a list of ten great things to make the most of this Father's Day in Beijing. Technically, it'd be impossible to cram all ten into the space of 24 hours, but you'd certainly have a memorable day if you tried. Whether your old man likes a boozy brunch, a trip to the cinema or just a calm, tranquil day away from it all, we've got you sorted for Father's Day in Beijing.

Head out for a blow-out brunch

Brunch is a lifestyle, a mantra, a treasured deity to which we should all adhere, and whose rules and values we should all live our lives accordingly by. Dads love brunch: the bigger, the boozier: the better. This one's for Boozy Brunch Dad. 

Beijing's full of tonnes of great brunch joints, so you're pretty spoilt for choice here. If you really fancy shelling out to honour the big man, head over to East Hotel, where Feast restaurant are throwing an absolute brunch bonanza. It's brunch fit for a king, boasting a wide array of meat and seafood as well as free-flow soft drinks, beer and house wine (398RMB per person). The best part is, all dad's will also receive four bottles of craft beer to take home with them, meaning you'll receive plenty of brownie points to tide you over until next year.

Take on the Great Wall

If you're feeling particularly adventurous, make the most of the day together and head towards the Great Wall. This one's for Hiking Dad, occasionally known as Of-course-we-can-make-it-to-the-Wall-and-back-in-a-day-Dad. 

Ditch the lie-in and the fancy brunch (might want to run that one past him first), don the hiking boots and catch an early bus over. You'll make it to Juyongguan or Mutianyu (where you should definitely, definitely have a go on the giant slide down from the top) and back in a day if you get your skates on. Hiking along the wall provides the perfect opportunity to escape the city for a few hours and return a weary, satisfied pioneer of a fraction of one of the world's most magnificent sites. It really is something special. Check out our detailed guide to the Great Wall of China in Beijing before heading off. 

Go rock climbing in Ritan Park

Because there's more than one wall in China. The Ritan Park climbing wall is great fun. This one's for the Sensible Shoes Dad. Slightly less grandiose than the aforementioned Great Wall of China, Touchstone Rock Climbing offers eight different climbing routes, including kids' ones too, You'll find it by the East Gate of the park. If you're planning a few activities for the big day, we suggest rock climbing before the boozy brunch, not after. 

Climb the Bird's Nest Stadium

This one's for Urban Explorer Dad. Spruce up Father's Day with some (safe) parkour as you ascend to the top of the Bird's Nest. Initially built for the 2008 Olympic Games, the stadium is a magnificent piece of architecture and seeing the place from above gives you a whole new perspective. Enjoy the remarkable views of the city while you're up there.

Grab a big, juicy burger

An extension of Boozy Brunch Dad perhaps, but not necessarily: Burger Dad loves a great... burger. With so many juicy burgers to choose from, you can't go too wrong. If we really had to pick, we'd say head over to Great Leap Brewing #45 for the classic cheeseburger, which comes piled high with two griddle-seared all-beef patties, smothered with slices of American cheese and served on a warm, buttered, sesame seed bun. Woof. 

Hit the art galleries

There's no doubt that Art Dad would like nothing more than to spend his special day traipsing around a gallery with you. 

You could either head over to the 798 Art District to explore some of the city's most established galleries. This month, we're really digging Olafur Eliasson's solo exhibition at Red Brick Art Museum. Entitled The unspeakable openness of things, this exhibition is a dreamy immersive experience, featuring a series of large-scale installations which playfully explore light, mist, geometry and illusion. If you fancy something a little more low-key, meander your way through the city's streets on one of our art walks.

Catch a film

There are two blockbusters that should fit the bill for Movie Dad this month. Action fans in general can't go wrong with the latest thrilling instalment in the Jurassic Park franchise, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom. Likewise, Marvel's epic cross-franchise concoction Avengers: Infinity War is still dominating Beijing cinemas. Blockbusters not really his thing? Check out our guide to the city's alternative cinemas. 

Check out some classic cars

Classic Car Dad either loves Father's Day, or hates it. He's not a middle ground kind of guy, but seeing as he's Classic Car Dad, we reckon he'll love some classic cars, especially the kind he can't afford. The older, the more swathed in vintage, the more oh-my-word-it's-in-such-fine-condition look of awe at the glossy paintwork, the better. 

The Beijing Classic Car Museum contains a collection of over two hundred classic automobiles. These beautiful relics will have your dad oohing and aahing his way around the place. At some stage, his mind will drift towards that What if? parallel universe, the one where he never had kids, the one where basked in youthfulness forever, the one where he just gave the band one last go, the one where he looks a bit like Marlon Brando or James Dean and has bags of money, the one where he's veering off into a desert sunset in a stonking red cadillac. He loves you really.

Hit the high notes at KTV

Clearly, this one’'s for Karaoke Dad. Beijing is a mecca for excellent KTV bars. Hire out a private room and let loose. Whether your dad wants to belt Springsteen, Sinatra or Shania Twain with his big Sunday, KTV’s got you covered.

Head to Houhai for a pedalo picnic

Father's Day doesn't have to be a meaty concoction of booze and food, nor does it have to be one giant explosion of adrenaline. Instead, you could treat dad to a chilled day out on Houhai. The lake offers a peaceful haven away from all the hectic buzz of the city. You can hire pedalos from various boathouses dotted alongside the water (we'd recommend having a party of three or four per boat, unless you want to be pedalling like mad the entire time) and drift lazily across the lake. Add a picnic to the equation and you've sorted one relaxing, tranquil Father's Day. Nicely done.

For addresses and alternative Father's Day ideas, hit 'Read more'.

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