SUMMER camp returns to Shangri-La Hotel, Guangzhou today until Oct. 7. The hotel’s huge landscaped garden offers a convenient urban resort for a mini family getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Family Suites with dedicated kids’ furniture and toys will truly enhance quality time at the hotel. It is time to switch on the summer vacation mode.

The summer camp program makes full use of the hotel’s unique subtropical landscaped garden that stretches to an area of 5,800 square meters. The koi and lotus pond in front of the Lobby Lounge is a favorite among kids where they can satisfy their curiosity about the colorful fish in the water. The rolling lawn, winding paths, not to mention the natural fragrance of the Tropical Spice Garden, all make for a nice morning jog or dusk walk.

Apart from the permanent kids’ facilities in the garden, such as the flying panda, slide, seesaw and swing, more popular games are incorporated, for example the Segways, trampoline and go kart. Parents and kids can enjoy quality time with family members without stepping out of the hotel.

The summer camp program offers more activities on weekends. It kicks off the Saturday activities with morning exercises on the lawn. A professional yoga coach leads the stretching and breathing exercises to get the family ready for the whole day’s active schedule ahead.

Learning a new skill is probably what all parents would encourage kids to do on vacations. And with that in mind, the Wok TOO Café chefs have prepared a dessert-making class for kids, which they can join after breakfast. Little chefs will have fun playing with flour, eggs and butter. Parents will enjoy a wonderful breakfast cooked by their sweet little chefs the next day.

On Sunday, the recreation team will take guests on a short tour to explore the city’s trading history at Huangpu Ancient Harbor, which is known for initiating overseas trade for Guangzhou.

In the afternoon, the recreation team has outdoor games in place for kids. Parents may take a GoPro camera to follow every single fun moment with their kids in the pool and on the lawn.

The outdoor swimming pool is around 1,000 square meters in size and offers ample space for games. In the late afternoon, families can gather together on the lawn for a soccer penalty shoot out, badminton, mini golf or basketball. All these activities are designed to provide the best family vacation.

A vacation without fine food is never perfect. The hotel has six restaurants, each with a unique character, providing a variety of gourmet experiences for guests. The lobster dinner buffet at Wok TOO Café will thrill all Boston lobster lovers.

Summer Palace, the Chinese restaurant, is famous for its Cantonese cuisine, the best choice for a local food experience. S.E. Asia Kitchen & Bar and RIBS provide authentic Southeast Asian food and worldwide rib choices, respectively. Both restaurants offer fabulous exotic food experiences.

Nadaman Japanese restaurant is a delightful dining experience that offers delicate Japanese cuisine with a beautiful river view at night. Meanwhile, the local favorites at Lobby Lounge will let guests experience all the tasty Cantonese snacks they desire.

Summer Camp invites all residential guests with kids to participate in the activities. At a special rate of 2,300 yuan per night, the Family Suite package includes breakfast buffet at Wok TOO Café (for two adults and one child under 6 years old), 24-hour gym access and a 50-percent discount at CHI, The Spa. It is undoubtedly the best choice for families.(Tang Li)