Extreme sports families, this one’s for you! Recently Beijing opened a brand new X-sports park and it’s got everything an adrenalin junkie could want.

Located in Daxing District, the Aegean X-Sports park covers 1,900 shared meters of space with everything from small go-karts for kids, basketball courts, skateboarding, BMX, a small pond for boating, and even an area just for parkour, equipped with high and low obstacle courses where parkour enthusiasts can practice their moves. Best of all, the park is free!

What a way to spend an afternoon

We sent out resident skater Uni You to test the latest extreme sports park, and after one visit, this seasoned skater was hooked! We’ve all seen young men and women skating on the lower level of Sanlitun SOHO at night. Beijing doesn’t offer many options for skaters, especially large spaces dedicated just to them, so having a brand new park that’s dedicated just to extreme sports lovers is some of the best news we’ve heard all summer.

While there is no age restriction to skate at Aegean X-Sports park, You recommends that newbies pick up some basic skating techniques before attempting to join in with the big kids and grown-ups. Put on your helmets, protective pads, and sunblock and head out for an adrenalin-filled day for the whole family.

Way to go, kid!

For those staying out late, Aegean X-Sports now has a night market that opens at 10pm filled with food and drinks, perfect for a quick snack break or a less conventional date night out on the town.

Aegean X-Sports 北京爱琴海购物公园
Southwest corner of the intersection of Jiujingzhuang Lu and Dexian Lu, Daxing District
大兴区久敬庄路与德贤路交汇处西南角

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Photos: Uni You, Lee

Many are surprised when they hear that the world’s second most popular sport (after football or soccer for the Americans) is not basketball or tennis, but actually cricket. Though its 2.5 billion fans are concentrated mostly in the Indian subcontinent, United Kingdom, and various former English colonies, cricket is played in some form or capacity in China and 104 other member nations of the International Cricket Council (ICC, cricket’s governing body). It’s gaining popularity in several nations, from the United States to Papua New Guinea.

While China is not known as a cradle for this bat and ball sport, it’s a target market for the ICC. Cricket in Beijing has been played since the 1980s and 1990s when embassies in the city would organize matches and tournaments between each other. There was also a Cricket Sixes tournament that was held annually, but this sadly ended after 1996, due to the lack of suitable grounds and difficulty in sustaining interest. The dawn of the new millennium brought rays of hope. A cricket ground at Dulwich College Beijing was built in 2006, with the pitch soil imported directly from Australia. Concurrently, dedicated efforts by expatriates spurred the establishment of the Beijing Cricket Club (BCC), a premier cricket club that represents the city in national and international competitions. More importantly, the club focuses on organizing regular cricket in Beijing for all those interested and willing. It organizes several competitions, the most prominent one being the BCC International Cricket Sixes. In the 2019 edition, three teams competed in the BCC International Cricket Sixes: Beijing Ducks Cricket Club, Beijing Zalmi, and Phoenix Cricket Club. However, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, no matches have taken place yet this year.

A Beijing Ducks batsman shapes up to hit the ball into the stands for 6 runs

Taking up cricket in Beijing has its challenges. Apart from the small community of interested patrons and the lack of dedicated venues and grounds to play in, acquiring equipment can get expensive. The cost of a good quality cricket kit with a bat, gloves, pads, and guards can cost around USD 300, or RMB 2,100. Moreover, there are very few to no local suppliers of cricket equipment in China, so one must also spend to bring the equipment into the country, whether that be through extra baggage fees at airports or international shipping. Renting out the few pitches and grounds available for practice or games isn’t cheap either.

So, yes, it’s quite a hefty cost, monetarily and logistically, to take up the sport here. However, being a cricket fanatic and having lived in Beijing for almost all my life, allow me to present a few arguments that might convince you to at least try cricket in a casual setting, let alone make you consider joining Beijing’s top-flight cricket clubs.

Cricket can be played almost anywhere, with few equipment

It’s Not Boring Anymore

There are several formats that cricket can be played in, one of the prominent ones being the first-class/Test format, where the game goes on for 4-5 days. The format can be boring for mainstream cricket viewers, as players bat time to build huge scores, eke out draws and ultimately avoid defeat. However, the development of Twenty20 (T20) cricket and various global T20 leagues have shortened the game to a 3-hour spectacle. There’s no space for defensive, safe tactics in T20 when explosive batting, entertainment, innovation, and athleticism are the norms of the format. The ICC is keen to promote cricket around the world through T20 as well; every cricketing nation plays T20s, but only 12 out of those 105 nations play Tests. This means more and more T20 games are played than Tests and first-class cricket annually.

The Gentleman’s Game

Cricket is known as ‘The Gentleman’s Game’, and for good reason. There’s no place for cheating, abuse, violence, and hooliganism, as such behavior is considered reprehensible in cricketing circles. In international matches, players are handed out fines and match bans for unruly behavior on a cricket field. The tenets that make up the ‘spirit of cricket’, such as playing hard but fair, accepting umpires’ decisions, and showing respect and self-discipline, are extended to all players, coaches, and support all levels of cricket, from the grassroots club level right up to top-flight international cricket.

Social Engagement

Cricket is an exciting game that encourages leadership, friendship, and teamwork, and brings together people from different nationalities and cultures. Playing cricket is also a great way to interact with people and learn how to cope with winning and losing. Being a collaborative sport, all players of the team must work together, sometimes for several hours and multiple days, to utilize strategies, defeat the other team, and win matches and competitions. In the process, one learns cooperation while building a sense of pride and accomplishment when their team wins. The social side of cricket is also often found off the field, with cricket club members usually meeting outside the field for a beer and having a chat about the game. The Beijing Ducks Cricket Club is the perfect example of social cricket, and their activities off the field have been featured by ESPNCricinfo, one of the most credible global cricket news websites.

Develop Physical and Mental Fitness

Playing cricket has a lot of health benefits. Running while batting and fielding boost your stamina and endurance. While batting, having a sound technique to play shots requires a good balance of the body. Players develop their hand-eye coordination and flexibility when they bat and field. Strategy is also an important facet of the game, as you’ll often see teams setting unique fielding positions to stop batsmen from scoring runs and eventually getting them out caught or run out. It also makes you mentally tough, as one has to get into a high-intensity competition between batsmen, bowlers, and fielders and actually revel in those situations.

Now, cricket purists (like me) love watching Tests, where players’ mental and physical fitness are drained to the maximum as they give it their all to win and save matches. In fact, that’s why the format is called ‘Tests; it a test of your physical and mental skills across multiple days. But mental and physical fitness are just as important in T20s and other short formats of the game. In the shorter formats, we see fielders making miraculous saves to stem the flow of runs and taking acrobatic catches to get batsmen out. And when it’s all down to the wire, like how the final few balls of the Cricket World Cup Final last year unfolded, it’s all down to just which team blinks first.

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Images: Unsplash, Tom Ashton

Your team is down by one. The ball is in your hands. Everyone knows you’re going to take this shot, and you’re as confident as ever. You slowly dribble towards your defender. The attack begins, you drop your shoulder and drive right in an attempt to blow by your defender, and as your defender, out of place, rushes to stop you, you counter by changing direction, crossing the ball between your legs, and jump up to take the open shot. Cash, the ball falls through the net cleanly, making that distinguishing “swish” sound. You clench your fist in triumph… and wake up from your daydream.

Sadly, due to lockdown measures, basketball courts across the city have been forced to close for months since the pandemic began. Without real basketball, players can only imagine the rush and excitement of knocking down shots and crossing people over. But as coronavirus concerns subside, public basketball courts are among the many public venues and businesses that are reopening.

Here’s a list of some of the best indoor and outdoor public basketball venues in Beijing. Many of them are bookable via Dianping, simply search the Chinese name in the app.

Chaoyang District

Hooplace (The Place)
East side of World Trade Center, 9 Guanghua Road
光华路9号世贸天阶东侧

The location, as well as the squeaky clean and high-quality hardwood courts, makes it the most expensive indoor basketball court in Beijing (legends say that booking the court costs  RMB 2000 per hour but we were unable to confirm that).

主场篮球公园·美凯地板 Home Game Park
Borui Sports Complex, 5 Chemical Road
化工路5号博瑞体育综合体内

There are 4 full basketball courts inside this Indoor “Game Park”, and this is one of the most popular venues. RMB 55 per person per session.

Jingju Basketball Hall 京聚篮球馆
228 Beiyuan Road (courtyard of the LPG plant on the north side of Exit B1 of Datun Road East Metro Station)
北苑路228号大屯路东地铁站B1口北侧液化石油气厂院内

This venue requires minimum of two-hour bookings. RMB 800- RMB 1000 per hour for a full court depending on the time of day, half-court 60% of the full court fee.

Hongchang Junhuaxiang Basketball Stadium 宏昌竣花香篮球馆
In the Hongchangjun Net Badminton Center, 88 Laiguangying East Road
来广营东路88号宏昌竣网羽中心内

There are two courts at this venue, which is covered by an air dome. I have been to this court several times, and although the lighting is dim, the courts provide good feedback and aren’t slippery. You can book either a half or full court on DianPing, but the spots fill up very quickly. RMB 70 per person per session.

“MY COURT”
Building 1, 10 Jiuxianqiao East Road
酒仙桥东路10号1幢

Referred to as the most famous indoor court in Beijing, many professional players who have trained and visited this court. Is it worth the seemingly extortionate price? I’ve been there once and I would say no, but the courts are undeniably outstanding. RMB 1838 for a half-court for two hours. RMB 3060 for a full-court for two hours.

Olympic Forest Park North Park 奥林匹克森林公园北园
100 meters west of the intersection of Yangshan Road and Anli Road
仰山路与安立路交叉口西100米

This outdoor court is located within the northern section of the Olympic Forest Park.

Dongcheng District

LongTanHu Sports Center 龙潭湖体育馆
76 Zuoanmen Inner Street
左安门内大街76号

LongTanHu Sports Center has tennis courts, badminton courts, and soccer fields in addition to basketball courts. You can book hours on DianPing, but spots fill up quick.

Dongdan Sports Center Basketball Hall 东单体育中心篮球馆
Southwest Corner, Dongdan Intersection
东单路口西南角广发银行大厦南

An outdoor court located south of the Guangfa Bank Building.

Beijing Ditan Sports Center-Basketball Hall 北京市地坛体育中心-篮球馆
168 Andingmenwai Street
安定门外大街168号

An outdoor court in the Andingmen part of Dongchen district.

Fengtai District

Digital Space Basketball Stadium 数字空间篮球馆
2F, Xin’ao Shopping Center, National Stadium North Road
国家体育场北路新奥购物中心地下二层大中庭篮球场

The price of these courts depends on the time of day you want to play, and one-hour bookings seem to be available only before 8pm. RMB 450-650 for one hour before 8pm, then RMB 1300 for two hours from 8-10pm.

Motive Basketball Forest Park 动因篮球森林公园
3F, Block G, Jinghui Industrial Park, Meishikou Road
梅市口路京荟产业园G座3楼

This venue is easy to book, with lots of available time slots and reasonable prices. RMB 600-1100 for a half-court for two hours, or RMB 1200-1800 full-court for two hours. The price depends on the court material (wood or rubber) as well as the duration.

Game On 篮球中心
3F, 111 Jingshun Road
京顺路111号比如世界三楼顶层
This outdoor court is located on a rooftop and costs RMB 180 for a half-court for one hour.

Xicheng District

EMOTION ZONE 篮球中心
Unit K3, Building 4, 346 East Street, Zhushikou
珠市口东大街346号4幢K3单元

RMB 50 per person per session on weekdays, RMB 100 per person per session on weekends.

Guang’an Stadium 广安体育馆
26 Denglai Hutong
登莱胡同26号

Shoot hoops in with the locals at this hutong outdoor court.

Shunyi District

New China International Exhibition Basketball and Badminton Stadium 新国展篮球羽毛球运动馆
Courtyard of Tianzhu Real Estate Development Company, Yufeng Road, Houshayu
后沙峪裕丰路天竺房地产开发公司院内

This basketball and badminton complex offers a range of price points, depending on if you want to come alone and shoot some hoops, or book a private court. RMB 40 per person per session for individual access, or RMB 600 for a half-court for two hours on weekdays, and RMB 700 for a half-court for two hours on the weekend. Price for a full court for two hours is RMB 800 on weekdays or RMB 900 on weekends.

Evolution factory 进化工厂
1 Jichengzhuang, Yizhuang Town
亦庄镇吉成庄甲1号

RMB 260-400 for a half-court for one hour, RMB 260-1200 for a full-court for one hour. Prices vary depending on the time of day and week.

Daxing District

World Flower Holiday Plaza Basketball Court 世界之花假日广场篮球场
Jiujingzhuang Road, Jiugong Town
旧宫镇久敬庄路

Book a full court at this outdoor Daxing spot for an hour for RMB 300.

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Photo Credit: Unsplash, DianPing, Pexels

When rock climbing makes its debut as an Olympic sport in the upcoming Tokyo Olympics, climbers from around the world will showcase their strength and skills on the vertical rock walls at the marquee event. As is to be expected, the sport’s inclusion into the Olympics has resulted in an increased interest in the sport, and more rock climbing centers opening in Beijing than ever before and rock climbing, which was previously regarded as a niche sport, has now become a popular outdoor pastime for people of all ages.

With the easing of the COVID-19 outbreak, indoor rock climbing centers and natural rock walls in Beijing have begun reopening, so we talked to Wang Guohua, the founder of Xiqi Tours & Outdoor Sports, and Li Zan, an international outdoor rock climbing guide and former head of the Peking University Eagle Society rock climbing club. They share insights on rock-climbing coaching, ice climbing, and give advice for enthusiasts new to the sport.

Wang wasn’t always involved in outdoor activities, having moved over to the industry after working in the automotive industry. “I started by bringing my two children to play in the outdoors. Later on, my friends would plead me to bring them outside more, to play with their kids. I then started to pay more attention to outdoor activities, specifically on issues of safety and how to appropriately manage outdoor activities.” Now, Wang is an outdoors first responder certified by Wilderness Medical Associates International (WMAI), a senior outdoor mountain climbing instructor certified by the Chinese Mountaineering Association.

Li Zan

Wang’s long-time collaborator and colleague Li Zan is a rock climbing and ice climbing instructor with more than 10 years of climbing experience and has served as the climbing captain of the Peking University Eagle Society. He also helped to translate the famous rock climbing documentary Alone on the Wall (2010). He has a pioneer rock-climbing ability of 5.13 and an ice climbing ability of WI6 and is also a national outdoor activities instructor and mountain climbing guide.

Recently, the two pros hosted a special indoor rock climbing session for kids, aimed at helping them to acquire a fundamental understanding of rock climbing. In the first part of the session, students were taught about the structure of rock walls and learned basic movements and rules of the sport. The instructors also taught exercise habits and taught basic safety guidelines to the kids.

During the second part of the session, Wang and Li went further, teaching movement, endurance, and strength training. They taught students about climbing weight, precise finger and hand movements, anaerobic endurance, and rest skills. Movement practice and flexibility training were also done throughout this part of the session.

In the third part of the session, line climbing sessions in various rock-climbing centers were conducted. Students were also asked to share their thoughts on whether indoor and outdoor rock climbing challenged their individual skill sets and whether the sessions helped in furthering their individual knowledge about the sport. The two instructors shared their personal rock-climbing stories and experiences as well as the anecdotes of famous rock-climbers.

If you and your kids are interested in learning more about rock climbing, the two experts stress the importance of finding a professional coach to help you get started, and say that if you engage with the sport without guidance, you are highly likely to get injured and maybe put off the sport forever. However, with the guidance of a professional coach, you can quickly master basic climbing techniques and rules.

It is recommended that you start with rock-climbing in indoor venues and then progress on to outdoor climbing. After learning basic technique and skills with your coach in an indoor rock-climbing center, you can go with your coach and climb outside. This will greatly reduce the fear of outdoor climbing and allow you to experience outdoor climbing with less worries and more fun.

Where to go rock climbing in Beijing

These gyms all provide equipment for hire should you not have your own climbing gear, and many will also organize the outdoor climbing trips. As always during COVID-19, it is best to call ahead.

• Rock Hour (岩时攀岩馆). RMB 120 per day. Bldg 74, 27 Xidawang Road, (near Pingleyuan Subway Station, exit B) Chaoyang District (137 1888 1250)
• ET Climbing Gym (ET攀岩馆). RMB 150 per day. Shunbai Road, Wanhe Art District (north gate), Chaoyang District (8479 2199)
• Hao Shi Climbing Gym (浩⽯石攀岩馆). RMB 100 per day. Unit 2, 7/F, Lantao Center, 5 Wanhong Road, Chaoyang District (6431 9881)
• Allin (Allin攀岩运动空间). RMB 120 per day. Unit 1, Bldg D, 768 Enterprise Zone, 5 Xueyuan Road, Haidian District (6060 3214)
• Everybody Climbing (⼈人攀岩). RMB 100 per day. Lize Sports Center, 6 Yupu Road, Changping District (186 1002 0094)
• Everybody Climbing (⼈人攀岩). RMB 100 per day. Huanlegu Center, Hong Tong Sports Centre, 5 Huagong Road, Chaoyang District (186 1002 0094)
• Yao Yan Climbing Gym (耀岩攀岩馆). RMB 60 per day. Bldg 3, 3 Anping Street, Shunyi District (136 0211 1387)

For more information about Xiqi Tours & Outdoor Sports, follow their official WeChat account: xiqibj.

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This article is an adapted translation of an article that was originally published on our sister site, jingkids.

Images: Pexels、熙祺探游户外运动提供

Students from Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing) share their favorite sports.

Hillary (Year 8)

This is a drawing that portrays how passionate I am towards swimming. Swimming means a lot to me, but the traits developed are far more essential than swimming itself. That is why I chose to draw this, because it means something to me.

Duncan (Year 8)

On the New Jersey Devils, Taylor Hall is my favorite player. I love hockey because of the thrill and excitement during the games.

Carina (Year 8)

I chose to paint ballet because I like ballet and it’s really good for your health.

Andrew (Year 8)

I made this painting of a boat floating in the center of the sea, glancing at the sunrise, and horizon. It was to create the feeling of nature around us. A boat within a thousand miles of water. Producing the beauty of the nature without ruining it.

Akira (Year 8)

I chose to paint a skateboard because I had just gotten one a few months ago.

Jihoo (Year 8)

In art class we were asked to draw our favorite sports and hobbies and I chose basketball because I love it.

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Photos: Courtesy of YCIS Beijing

This article appeared in the beijingkids 2020 May issue