Snow Wonderful: Skiing and Skating around Beijing
Searching for that bit of wintery fun this weekend? Despite an extreme lack of snow, or any precipitation for that matter, there are still plenty of skating and even skiing options around the city.
Skating
Qianhai (Houhai)
The city’s most popular outdoor ice-skating venue features ice sleighs and skates for rent (RMB 20/day). RMB 10/15 weekdays/ends. Check out our recent post on spending the day at and around Houhai.
Early morning to dusk. Qianhai, north side of Beihai Park, Xihai Beiyan, Xicheng District. (6612 5717) 后海地区, 西城区西海北沿(北海公园以北)
All Star Ice Rink
Located on the first floor of Solana mall, the ice rink covers 800 square meters and is fit for both entertainment and professional competition. All-Star offers kids’ classes staffed by coaches from the Chinese national skating team. Private lessons (Chinese only) are RMB 135/40min. RMB 30 (weekday), RMB 50 (weekend).
Daily 10am-10pm. 1/F, Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park, 6 Chaoyang Gongyuan Lu, Chaoyang District. (5905 6328) 全明星滑冰俱乐部,朝阳区朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾国际商区首层
Century Star Club (Capital Indoor Stadium Ice Rink)
Offers ice skating lessons in a slightly smaller than regulation-size rink. Private lessons are priced at RMB 300/90min; group lessons start at RMB 75/90min.
Hours vary each day; call or check online for open times. B/F, Capital Gymnasium, 54 Zhongguancun Nandajie, Haidian District. (6834 6346) www.centurystar.com.cn 世纪星滑冰俱乐部,海淀区中关村南大街54号首都体育馆
Champion Skating Rink
RMB 30 (10-11.30am) weekdays for 1.5 hours, including shoes, RMB 40 (11.30am-5pm), weekdays after 5pm and weekends RMB 50/1.5 hours. RMB 10 more for every additional 30 minutes.
Daily 10am-9.30pm. B2/F, Jinyuan Shopping Mall, Yuanda Lu, Haidian District. (8887 4899) 军滑冰场, 海淀区远大路金源购物中心地下2层
Hokay Skating Center
Aside from hosting international hockey competitions, Hokay is also a great venue for figure skating. Various training classes on offer and the friendly, professional coaches are available at all times to provide assistance. RMB 45/90 min, plus RMB 10 for skate rental.
Daily noon-8pm. Inside Xinglong Gongyuan, Gaobeidian, Chaoyang District. (8577 8001) 浩沙冰上运动中心, 朝阳区高碑店兴隆公园内
Le Cool
Chills and spills for skaters and shoppers at this small indoor rink in the World Trade Center. Be warned that the rink can get seriously crowded with ice princesses on holidays and weekend afternoons. RMB 120/150 for a 40-minute private lesson. Weekdays: RMB 30 for 90 min (10am-6pm), RMB 40 for 90 min (6-10pm). Weekends: RMB 50 for 90 min. Skate rental included.
Mon-Sat 10am-10pm, Sun 10am-7pm. B2/F, China World Shopping Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang District. (6505 5776, lecool@cwtc.com) www.lecoolicerink.com
The Ice Zone
This small rink in Shunyi offers skating classes for beginners and intermediates, private lessons, 3-on-3 ice hockey programs, and beginners’ hockey for adults and children. Unlimited time on the ice is RMB 50 (weekends) and RMB 30 (weekdays) and includes skate rental. Private lesson needs to reserve before visiting for RMB 150 (CN)/300 (EN) per hour.
Daily noon-4pm. River Garden Clubhouse, 2/F (access from Yuyang Lu), 7 Yuyang Lu, Houshayu, Shunyi District. (8046 6092, info@icezonechina.com) www.icezonechina.com 冰点地带,顺义区裕京花园会所2楼(入口在裕京路)榆阳路7号
Xiyue Ice Skating
This indoor facility spans 1,000 square meters. 90 minutes of ice time (including shoes) costs RMB 35 (weekdays) or RMB 45 (nights and weekends).
Daily 10am-9.30pm. Xidan Cultural Centre (in 77th Street), Xicheng District. (6602 0050) 喜悦溜冰场, 西城区西单文化广场77街
Zilongxiang Ice Rink
RMB 16 per hour for children, RMB 26 for adults.
Tuesday-Sunday, close on Monday 9am-9pm. North gate of Ditan Park, A14 Hepingli Zhongjie, Dongcheng District. (6429 1619) 紫龙祥滑冰馆, 东城区和平里中街甲14号地坛公园北门
Zizhuyuan Park
This well-known park in Haidian has ice sleighs for rent (price TBD). Entrance is free.
Daily 8am-6pm. 45 Baishiqiao Lu, Haidian District. (8841 2830) 紫竹院公园, 海淀区白石桥路45号
Skiing, Snow Parks and Festivals
Snow Festival at the Bird’s Nest
With the aim to seek "more non-profit social benefits" while "hosting top-level events," the Bird’s Nest is running a two-month snow festival starting from December 19. People can ski and snowboard on 20 man-made slopes and also have the opportunity to enjoy games and performances. The festival will coincide with countdown events for both the Western and Chinese new years. RMB 120(RMB 180 on weekends and holidays).
Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, weekends and holidays 9am-9.30pm. National Stadium. Olympic Green, Beichen Lu, Chaoyang District. 国家体育场. 朝阳区朝阳区北辰路奥林匹克公园
Yaunmingyuan Ice and Snow Festival
Beijing's newest snow park, the Old Summer Palace has been turned into a winter wonderland until February 17. The park offers everything from skiing, skating, dog sledding, horse rides, and more. For an insider's look at the park check out our blog here.
Ice and Snow Festival, Yuanmingyuan (Old Summer Palace). 28 Qinghua Lu, Haidian. Subway Line 4, exits A and B. RMB30 (entry ticket only) Open Daily 9-5pm, from December 22 to February 17.
Nanshan Ski Village
The most popular ski resort in the area offers 21 trails to accommodate all skill levels and terrain preferences. The largest snowboard park in the country, Quicksilver Nanshan Mellow Park, is sure to tame even the wildest daredevils out there. It also has the latest rental equipment, 150 certified instructors in its snow school, two modern high-speed quad lifts, a double lift, and 13 rope tows. Prices vary depending on how long you want to ski or ride. RMB 100-220 per person (Mon-Fri); RMB 150-360 (Sat-Sun). Entrance fee: RMB 20. A RMB 200 deposit is required for rentals; if none are needed, there’s a 40 percent discount on the overall price. Located 62 km from Wanghe Bridge, it’s a 30-minute drive on the Jingcheng Expressway. Daily round trip shuttles (RMB 30) leave from Wudaokou and Sanyuanqiao.
Shengshuitou Village, Miyun County. (8909 1909) www.nanshanski.com 南山滑雪场, 密云河南寨镇圣水头村
Qiaobo Ice and Snow World
Named after the first Chinese person to win a Winter Olympic medal, Qiaobo is an indoor, year-round resort in Beijing. It’s great for beginners, with instructors and rentals ready to help you down 200-meter and 300-meter long runs. There is also a five-obstacle snow park and a 30-meter long children’s trail. Prices come in all sorts of different packages depending on what activities you want to do (RMB 180-898).
6 Shun’an Lu, Shunyi District (8497 2568) www.qbski.com 乔波冰雪世界, 顺义区顺安路6号
Jundushan Ski Resort
Located just 30 km from downtown Beijing, this resort is great for seasoned skiers who just want to get some runs in. Also ideal for beginners and intermediates. The seven trails, which meet international standards, are served by two-person cable tows. Night skiing is an option during the week. RMB 60-240 (Mon-Fri), RMB 80-380 (Sat-Sun). Entrance fee: RMB 20. Night skiing: RMB 100 (including dinner).
588 Zhenshun Village, Cuicun Town, Changping District (6072 5888) www.bjski.com.cn
Wanlong Ski Resort
For the more serious skiers and boarders, this resort offers 19 runs, 13 of which are for advanced skill levels. This was the first resort to open in China and remains popular with its longer season and favorable conditions. RMB 400 for a whole day. Rentals: RMB 660 for a whole day.
Congli County, Zhangjiakou City, Hebei. (+31 3461 7676) www.wlski.com 万龙滑雪场, 河北省张家口市崇礼县红花梁
