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Wintertime Fun for Everyone

For some in Beijing, the first icy chill of winter means one thing: It's time to go swimming!

At noon on winter days at Shichahai, despite a piercing wind flying down the lake or swirling around nearby hutongs, passers-by may often see several men swimming in the lake or emerging from it.

A Mr. Wang said, "When I first started to swim on chilly winter days, I felt like I would freeze. But I persisted for five years and now I feel uncomfortable if I don't swim at least twice every week, even on icy days."

Wang, who lives in a hutong in the area, said he rides to the Shichahai on a bicycle, then plunges into the frigid water. "I’m quite healthy, and seldom get colds. More importantly, I make friends here."

Swimming on winter days is a tradition for many elderly Beijingers. And Shichahai is the lake these winter sports lovers most often frequent. If you have time, go visit these energetic elderly Beijingers! You may fall in love with this "cheap and healthy" winter sport and become one of their members, but novices should take care when getting started.

More conventional Beijingers may prefer more comfortable sports such as indoor swimming, snow skiing and ice skating, which are gaining in popularity among the younger generations. Most of the ski resorts in Beijing have combined skating and other snow-related activities, such as snowmobile riding or skiing football. Most of the equipment used is imported, and professional coaches are available to help ensure the public's safety. The big names among Beijing's ski resorts are Nanshan and Huaibei (in Miyun County and Huairou District), where "performances" by international professionals are given at least once every year. An indoor ski resort named Qiaobo Skiing Resort was founded in Shunyi in the summer of 2005.

Ice skating is also a wintertime treat for participants and viewers of the sport in Beijing. There's no longer a need to accept the risks of skating on area lakes, a practice which is banned because of day-to-day uncertainties about ice thickness, but a great time can be had at any of four major indoor skating resorts in the city's centre. Excellent coaches and outstanding equipment are available to ensure a safe, enjoyable skating experience. Try Lecool in the China World Shopping Mall, Shangmei at 77th Street in Xidan, Champion at the New World Centre Phase II and Zilongxiang near Ditan Park and skate away. The sport of curling can be played at Zilongxiang.

Viewing ice sculptures is another favourite winter pastime in North China and Beijing. Tourist groups only may view indoor ice sculptures in Ditan Park, a tourist favourite, but the indoor sculptures may be viewed by individuals at about the time of the Chinese Spring Festival (January 29, 2006). Visitors can find ice sculptures in Beijing's suburban areas such as in Miyun and Yanqing counties or Huairou and Pinggu districts that may remind you of those in Harbin.