With the Beijing temperature rising to a an all week high of 36 degrees Celsius this Sunday, escape the summer heat and head out to the first and only indoor ski resort in Beijing. Qiaobo Ice and Snow World in Shunyi might not be the best skiing destination for experienced skiers, but for kids 3 and up the snow covered indoor resort could be a refreshing retreat.

 

If you’re prepared to beat the heat outside, and are not afraid to stay outdoors, visit Qianmen the famous pedestrian street southwest of Tianamen Square that has 560 years of history, the redone commercial street was modeled after buildings of the late Qing Dynasty. Kids will enjoy the trolly ride from one end of the street to the other. Bargain buys can be found at Dashilar also a famous historical commercial street, located outside the Qianmen gate, just behind the Quanmen main street.  

 

Journey the world at Beijing World Park. The park contains nearly 100 shrunken models of famous world monuments; the Taj Mahal, Empire State Building, Egyptian Pyramids, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Stone Henge, and the Eiffel Tower are just a few to name.

 

If visiting world monuments isn’t enough to satisfy the kids, the Beijing Blue Zoo (not to be confused with Beijing Aquarium at the Beijing Zoo) features an aquarium that boasts an enormous coral reef tank containing ells, tuna, shark, and stingrays.

 

If all the activities above don’t satisfy your craving for some weekend summer fun then check out some activities that could be perfect for that father and son outing to celebrate Father’s Day this Sunday.

 

Go go-karting at U-Speed in the Wangjing Lido area. The karting center offers four-stroke, 160cc and 200cc go-karts. For more adventurous dads, moms, and older teens the Olympic Sports Center Paintball Strike Range is open (located next to subway Line 4).

 

Photo courtesy of Picable.