When Yuliya Mavletbaeva came to Beijing from Tajikistan eight years ago, she arrived with a suitcase, USD 300, and a degree in international business that she didn’t plan on using. During her time here she has pursued her passions for education and community, working mostly in preschools. But since having a child of her own she has reinvented her career and begun teaching a range of classes for moms and their kids under the moniker Family Fun with Yuliya. Not only has this venture allowed her to integrate her work with her private life, it has also finally given her a chance to apply her business knowledge. Agenda sat down with Mavletbaeva to find out about life as a mommy-preneur, and how to build a family-centered company.

America's largest specialty clothing retailer Gap has finally come to Beijing.

Their move to China has been slow and deliberate. Botched efforts at expanding in Germany – where their stores are now owned by H&M – taught them that what works in the US doesn’t always work elsewhere, too. This time, the San Francisco-based company intends to get it right.

Last week we posted about the world’s worst theme park, right here on Beijing’s Olympic Green. Just across the street from that nightmare is the Dino Dino Dream Park, which has been heavily advertised on the subway. While the park is a little corny, it’s definitely better than the hole up the street (and) is a decent place to take your kids if you’re running out of things to do during the endless summer vacation – but only if you’re willing to pay the hefty RMB 90 entrance fee.