It may be a bit of a cliché but now that we’re well into negative temperatures, I’m sorely missing all those quintessential summertime activities. We don’t know what we have until it’s gone, right? But hold up, water sports aren’t off the table quite yet, not while these indoor wave houses are around anyway. So come on down and dip your toe into the lukewarm 28-degree water, which will allow you to splash around in comfort and fun!

Subconscious Heat Wave Player 潜艺视热浪玩家

Don’t let the overly verbose and odd name deter you from checking this place out. Suitable for kids and adults, this wave house has been complimented for its clean water and premises. Located east of downtown Beijing, they even have a hot spring pool too! As for the surfing part, they have instructors on hand, ready to help you get up on the board, or you can simply surf solo if you already know how. A first-time 30-minute trial class costs RMB 168 on Dianping and includes use of the hot spring to unwind either before or after your gnarly surf session. During winter, opening hours are daily from 10am-8pm.

Search 潜艺视热浪玩家 qián yì shì rè làng wán jiā in Dianping to pre-book your tickets

Wavorhouse 威波豪欺冲浪俱乐部

Wavorhouse goes all out to promote that sunny lifestyle, as seen from their sandy beach backdrop and surfer van decorative set up. Their local coaches have received rave reviews, so this may be the place to go for a surf class if that’s what you’re looking for. They also offer group classes at RMB 198 for 30 minutes. Pro tip: On your birthday you can join the group class for just RMB 99 instead! Opening hours are Tuesday through Friday, 1-8pm, and weekends from noon-8pm.

Search 威波豪欺冲浪俱乐部 wēi bō háo qī chōng làng jù lè bù in Dianping to pre-book your tickets

Surf Park 冲浪公园 探水冲浪体验店

Calling all Instagrammers and aspiring models/influencers! This wavehouse offers an in-house videography and photography package for RMB 283 so you can forever capture the moment when you successfully stand up on the board and hit the waves. A first-time hour-long experience – which consists of 10 minutes of instruction, followed by 45 minutes of surfing – costs RMB 328. Note that this place is only open on Mondays and Wednesdays through Sundays (i.e. closed on Tuesdays) from 2 to 9pm.

Search 探水冲浪体验店 tàn shuǐ chōng làng tǐ yàn diàn in Dianping to pre-book your tickets

KEEP READING: These Snow Parks and Ice Rinks Are Open!

Images: Dianping

With the next big holiday in China being two months away, any Beijinger could attest that a break in between is badly needed to maintain any form of sanity in this busy city. Luckily, Beijing has plenty of options for an amazing staycation for that pampered retreat in the cold and gray winter! For those who want to get away without going away, Grand Hyatt Hotel is definitely a perfect escape for the hectic urban family looking to renew energy and share some quality time in the heart of Beijing.

My boyfriend and I had a one night staycation in Grand Hyatt. Unlike most hotels in the area with the overwhelming business vibe, the subtle classical style, blending both western and eastern traditions, creates a sense of calm and pleasure. Located on Wangfujing, within walking distance to the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, the hotel offers a convenience to an imperial experience. For a more modern experience, head down to the Oriental Plaza Shopping Center located conveniently below the hotel. Finally, there is the Club Oasis, Grand Hyatt’s surprisingly gigantic indoor swimming pool which would be ideal for any family with children.

Grand Hyatt Beijing Grand Club King Room

After checking in around 1pm, we entered our Grand Club King room. The minimalistic design of the room felt both sophisticated and peaceful. We were quite pleased that the room overlooks the front view of the hotel along with the street of Chang’an Dajie. The bathroom was also a good size, with a sink, tub, walk-in shower, and toilet. In addition, the room came with all of the expected amenities which includes, but is not limited to, a safe, snacks, and plushy robes.

Tropical Oasis Club Swimming Pool

The Tropical Club Oasis Swimming Pool is the Grand Hyatt’s can’t-miss attraction. We never expected to see such an impressive tropical pool in the winter. Taking a splash in the pool is usually reserved as a summertime activity but Club Oasis makes it accessible all year round.  Whether it is raining, snowing, or even polluted outside, resident swimmers will be able to blissfully swim without a care in the world and enjoy being transported to Beijing’s hidden tropical island. While swimming around in a 1,500 sqm heated pool, it didn’t take long to completely forget about the blistering cold outdoors.

Ringed by Atlantis-like stone columns, waterfalls, potted palms, Jacuzzi grottos, sauna and massage rooms, and a set of mystical Aborigine-style sculptures with a starry sky, the pool seems like the best place for the whole family in Beijing’s winter. The swimming pool is fun for the whole family to enjoy as the deepest end of the pool is only 1.4 meters and it has its own designated children’s pool area where it is just 0.5 meters deep.

Facilities 

The hotel has some pretty nifty facilities including a 24-hour gym which is next to the pool. The yoga studio hosts a regular schedule of well-being classes for guests and members.

Breakfast at Grand Cafe

Breakfast was served from 6.30am till 10.30am at Grand Café on the second floor. The spread was fairly good both in Chinese and western options, such as salad, yogurt, cereal, fruit, croissants, pastries, cheese, and Chinese noodles.

We enjoyed our breakfast by plating up with a myriad of western and eastern cuisine, accompanied with a cup of latte and a strawberry milk shake. Sitting near the window, enjoying our little relaxing moment, I couldn’t help but think about how long it had been since we just sat down and enjoyed the peace.

Besides breakfast, there are other options as well, but it will be all in the afternoon. If you want to experience Chinese food, Made in China crafts home-style classics from northern China, including the signature Peking Duck and Beggar’s Chicken. On the same floor, Redmoon offers Japanese fare at the sushi bar and live band Jaguar ramps up the energy from 8.30pm throughout the week except Sunday with music, dancing, and drinks until late.

Warm Winter Offer at Grand Hyatt Beijing at Oriental Plaza, Dec 1, 2019 – Mar 31, 2020

Visit the heart of Beijing and stay at Grand Hyatt Beijing to enjoy a special winter offer of up to 20 percent off. The memorable experiences will include comfortably designed guestrooms and the signature resort-style tropical Club Oasis indoor pool. Please note that minimum stay is two consecutive nights and you can save up to 20 percent on the 2nd night when paying the standard rate.

1 East Chang An Avenue, Beijing. 东长安街1号东方广场, 8518 1234, www.grandhyatt.com

Photos: Wendy Xu, courtesy of Grand Hyatt Beijing