Tired of waiting for snow? Well, it looks like we’re all due to wait some more before Beijing gets a white makeover, since the weather forecast still shows no sign of snow for now. But if you can’t wait any longer, then check out these play places around the capital for some snowy fun!

玉渊潭公园  yùyuāntán gōngyuán

Located in Haidian District, on the west side of the city, is a huge park that’s been transformed into a snowy winter wonderland. The park is an open snowy playground that’s perfect for tubing and running around in giant inflatable balls like a hamster. Simply put, they’ve got plenty of snow and plenty of open space. Like with most places in Beijing, though, if you go on a weekend or holiday, you can expect some pretty sizable crowds. But, during the weekdays the place is as good as exclusively yours!

Find it:
海淀区西三环中路10号
10 West Third Ring Middle Road, Haidian District

圣露庄园冰雪嘉年华 Shenglu Ice and Snow Festival

A parent kindly recommended this park which is currently offering discounted tickets on the mini-program below. The park sits on the border between Chaoyang and Shunyi north of central Beijing, and welcomes visitors to enjoy their myriad of snow activities including dog sleds, banana boats, snow tanks, inflatables, and ice chair skating and more. A single child free play ticket starts from RMB 298 (50% the usual price) and a 1 parent 1 child ticket is RMB 328.

Find it:
北京市朝阳区崔各庄乡奶东工业园圣雅圣露国际酒庄（东1门）
Sheng Yashenglu International Cellar
Cuigezhuangxiang Naidong Industrial Park, Chaoyang

龙潭湖冰雪嘉年华 Longtanhu Snow and Ice

This is probably the most centrally located snow and ice play park you can find in Beijing, as it is right in Longtan Park in Dongcheng District, a mere six kilometers south of the Forbidden City. Offering snow slopes, a snow maze, snow tanks and inflatables for rolling around in the snow, kids can easily spend a couple hours playing here. Accompanying adults are subject to an entrance ticket of RMB 100, and on Dianping you can purchase a RMB 65 ticket that gives you access to three activities.

Find it:
东城区龙潭路16号 (龙潭湖公园北门内)
16 Longtan Road, Dongcheng (inside Longtan Park North Gate)

 蟹岛冰雪·大世界 xièdǎo bīngxuě · dàshìjiè

This snow and ice world isn’t the largest, but it‘s located within Chaoyang District and has the basics – snow slopes for tubing, inflatables for rolling around in the snow, and banana boating (yes, on snow). There’s also an inflatable kiddy castle for little ones to play around in. Tickets start from RMB 68 for different areas within the park.

Find it:
朝阳区蟹岛路1号蟹岛荷花池 (蟹岛绿色生态度假村内)
1 Xiedao Lu, Chaoyang District (Hehuachi, inside Xiedao Green Ecology Holiday Village)

香江冰雪嘉年华 Xiangjiang Ice and Snow Carnival

Great for young kids who want to slide down and dig around in the powdery white snow, this snow park located in east Beijing does not look to be too crowded at the moment. The park is open every day from 9am to 6pm and offers discounted tickets starting from RMB 38 on Dianping.

Find it:
朝阳区常营乡草房地铁站
Caofang Subway Station, Changying Township, Chaoyang District

Images: Uni You

KEEP READING: Indoor Play Areas Reopen Around Town With Discount Tix

If you’ve ever conducted an online search for ski resorts in China, you may have encountered articles with headlines such as, “Where to (Surprisingly) Go Skiing in China,” “China’s Skiing Revolution,” or the top related-search suggestion, “Does China have ski resorts?”.

However all of this confusion and consternation would surely bewilder those who lived roughly 5,000 years ago in the Altai Mountains of present-day northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. For it is these folks who, thanks to some rock paintings found along the region’s Dundebulake river valley, are credited with being one of the earliest pockets of civilization to have strapped repurposed wooden planks to their feet and hit the slopes.

In fact, at a 2006 news conference in Beijing, Chinese ski historian, Shan Zhaojian, proudly pro-claimed that China was “the original place for human skiing.” While his comment gave rise to a, quite literal, world of debate, Shan’s assertion is not without its merits.

Nevertheless, unlike Shan’s assertion, the headlines that pop up on search engines are without their merits, and Beijing, as well as China at large, is rife with ski resorts for all ages and skill levels.

Below we’ve collected a few of those resorts that are within easy reach of the Capital, so that you too can glide through winter like the Altai residents of old.

Badaling Ski Resort & Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival

Badaling Ski Resort combines Huabei’s proximity to the Great Wall with Snow World’s commute along the Golden Tourist Route, which makes for a truly special China holiday getaway. Across the park, you’ll find two ski runs for beginners, two for intermediate skiers, and one for advanced folks, though word on the street is that even the more advanced trails aren’t beyond the skill level of most intermediates. Of course, non-skiers are not to be left out of the fun. Badaling offers snow tubing, snow mobiles, and even dog sleigh tracks.

What’s more, it’s got onsite accommodation which means you don’t have to head home after a long day of tiring yourself out on the slopes. There’s myriad attractions nearby such as the Longmai and Tianlongyuan Hot Springs to rest those achey muscles in the evening.

What makes Badaling Ski Resort particularly unique though is its impressive light display once the sun goes down. Dazzling, colorful lights shine through the resort, making the whole place look like something out of a children’s book. Additionally, if you find yourself there between January and February, you can pop over to the Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival, which takes the idea of a winter wonderland to a whole new level.

Badaling Ski Resort

Address:

66 Economic Development Zone, Badaling Town, Yanqing County

Public Transportation:

Take Bus 919 from Dongzhimen Bus Terminal: from Beijing the buses leave at 8am and 9am; back from Badaling Ski Resort the buses leave 3pm and 4pm.

Driving:

Drive along the Badaling Expressway and take Exit 50 (Badaling Great Wall). Continue through Badaling Safari Park, drive for another 3 km until you reach Badaling Ski Resort.

Booking Hotline:

6912 9944

Rates:

RMB 80 – RMB 270 depending on equipment rentals, day and length of time.

Hours of Operation:

8.30am-5pm (weekdays)

8.30am-5pm & 6-9pm (weekends)

Longing Gorge Ice Lantern Festival

Address:

Longing Gorge Scenic Area, Gucun Village, Jiuxian Town, Yanqing County

Public Transportation:

Bus 919 from Deshengmen Bus Terminal. At Yanqing County, transfer to Bus 920 bound for Longqing Gorge.

Driving:

Take the Badaling Expressway (Jingzang Expressway) and get off at Exit 62. Drive along National Highway, through Yanqing County, until you arrive at Longqing Gorge.

Enquiries:

6919 1020

Rates:

RMB 100 (Adults), RMB 50 (Students), Free (12 & Under)

Hours of Operation:

9am-10pm

Beijing Snow World (Xueshijie) Ski Resort

At a mere thirty minutes drive from downtown Beijing, Xueshijie (which literally translates to Snow World) Ski Resort is perfect for a quick day trip. It’s located along the Golden Tourist Route, which takes commuters past the Ming Tombs, Juyongguan Great Wall, and Badaling Great Wall, so if you have friends or family in town, or if you haven’t been to these spots yourself, you could knock out a couple of sites throughout the day.

In addition to its five slopes, Beijing Snow World Ski Resort has two snow playgrounds for sled-ding and tubing, in case you or your little one aren’t so ski- or snowboard-inclined. Additionally, if any in your party happen to be less experienced, fear not, the park has ski coaches for beginners and kids at RMB 220 per hour.

Address:

Xiaogongmen, Shisanling Town, Changping District

Public Transportation:

Take Bus 345 zhi (345連) at Deshengmen Bus Terminal, then get off at Zhengfa University
（漣랬댕欺), then change for Bus 53 at Sunshine Plaza (捺밑衢), get off at Xianguo Leyuan（銶벎있蹈), you will see the Snow World Ski Resort.

Driving:

Take the Badaling Expressway until Exit 32 (Xiguan 鮫밑). Continue north along National Highway 110 for 5km and turn left at Tailing Tomb. Follow this road until you reach the ski resort.

Booking Hotline:

8976 1886 / 8976 1899 / 8976 1707

Rates:

RMB 30 – RMB 1360 depending on equipment rentals, day and length of time

Hours of Operation:

8am-5pm

Beijing Huabei International Ski Resort

You’ve seen the Great Wall. You’ve probably even walked across it at this point. But have you ever skied next to it? No? Well now’s your chance! The Beijing Huabei International Ski Resort is the only ski resort in the Capital’s confines to be flanked on three sides by the country’s most iconic structure. With unprecedented views like these, Huabei International definitely puts both the Ski and the Resort in Ski Resort.

If that weren’t enough, Huabei International is also the largest ski resort in Beijing, boasting an impressive 5,100m of ski trails and a massive drop of 238m. Between its seven slopes, one is reserved for the most seasoned skiers, three go to the intermediate, and a whopping four trails are available for those still trying to find their snowlegs. If you count yourself among the latter bunch, ski and snowboarding lesson packages are available for between RMB 220 and RMB 1,700, depending on sport, lesson length, and amount of people in your party.

To make matters more convenient, Huabei International Ski Resort provides a shuttle bus that departs from Oriental Ginza, located near Exit B of the Dongzhimen Line 2 Subway Station, with rides costing RMB 150 for weekdays and RMB 210 for weekends.

Address:

No. 548, Hefangkou Village, Huaibei Town, Huairou District

Public Transportation:

Take Bus No. 936 (branch) / 936（連）窟 at Dongzhimen Bus Terminal.

Driving:

Take the Jingcheng Expressway to Exit 14. Take Huidu Road (삔떼쨌) to National Highway No.111 (111 벌돛) until you pass Yanxi Lake
(洛鮫빤). Continue north for about 5km until you reach the ski resort.

Booking Hotline:

8969 6677

Rates:

RMB 38 – RMB 198 depending on equipment rentals, day and length of time.

Hours of Operation:

8.30am-9pm

This article appeared in the beijingkids December 2019 Giving Back issue

Brr… it’s cold out there, and it’s going to get a lot colder if the weather forecasts are accurate. Right now The Weather Channel says next week will have a daytime low of -8C, and frosty nighttime low of -18C. We’re used to icy, windy winters here in Beijing, but this approaching cold-snap is early and a lot more severe than usual.

You may have heard that cold weather doesn’t make you catch cold, but scientists at Yale have discovered that the common cold virus reproduces faster at lower temperatures, and cold makes your immune system less effective. So bundle up next week!

Layering is the best way to stay snug. Remember the rule of thumb for children is to add one more layer than an adult would need.

Body:

• Base layer: A thin, wicking fabric that keeps you dry and comfortable. Polyester, silk, or polypropylene is best.
• Insulation layer(s): This may be one long-sleeved thick woolen jumper, heavy cashmere turtleneck, or warm fleece, or several thinner layers which can be shed off as you heat up.
• Protection layer: Gore-Tex or nylon in a tight weave; wind and water repellant is best. Down-filled is warmest. You’ll want something with a hood, because Beijing wind creeps around the highest of collars. Elasticated or velcroed cuffs will keep snow, wind, and rain from chilling your wrists.

Hands:

• Mittens trap air around your finger to keep them extra toasty. They’re especially good when cycling. My (fake) Canada Goose down mittens were my snuggest winter option. Unfortunately this little kitten has lost her mitten, and Yashow (as we once knew it) no longer exists!
• If some semblance of manual dexterity is necessary (using keys, pulling zippers, picking up anything smaller than a tennis ball) then wear glove liners and thicker woolen or fleece gloves.

Feet:

• Layer your socks; thin lining socks first and a thicker outer pair over the top. Make sure you still have room to wiggle your toes inside your boots. If circulation is impaired your feet will get colder.
• Sturdy, waterproof boots with a good grip. Leave the heels at home.

Head:

• Remember most of your heat is lost through your head, and dress appropriately. A hat with ear flaps or ear muffs, scarf, and the aforementioned hood. Face masks can do double duty to keep the mouth and nose warm, or try a tube scarf, or balaclava.

Photos: Courtesy of Ivan Walsh and meeshypants (flickr)

The rate-board above the ticket counter calls it an “ice-sleigh”, which in the cold month of January, still conjures up images of Santa’s sleigh. But that is too fancy a word for what we rode yesterday –school-kid sized metal chairs welded to L-shaped metal angles serving as runners to skate on ice with no brakes and no steering. These contraptions, best referred to as chair-sleds, typically had a smaller metal stool welded a little in front of the chair making the sled a two-seater. A mock steering wheel up front made of a small metal ring gave something to hold on to. The adornment included chipped paint in primary colors and seats covered with patches of office carpet. Screwdrivers welded to pointy iron bars served as steering poles, enabling the riders to propel these wonderful contraptions with great glee!

Chair-sledding is a quintessential Beijing experience. People can be seen enjoying sledding, as well as skating and playing ice hockey, or simply walking to school, on frozen canals in many parts of Beijing. But nothing can top the chair-sledding experience at Lake HouHai.

Lake HouHai — a centuries old lake located close to the Drum Tower (Gu Lou) in central Beijing — is anyway worth a visit at any time of the year. Dating back to the 11th century, it’s a long lake with a narrow ‘waist’ at the center that is just wide enough for two paddle boats to pass each other without too many bumps. This lake center is spanned by an old arched pedestrian bridge in stone and is the hub of activity at Lake HouHai.

All around the bridge, and really going all around the lake in either direction, the streets are chock-full of bars, shops, and restaurants that are lit up by a million lights at night and are a favored hangout of youngsters and expats. The streets are mainly pedestrian except for the occasional car that gets in mysteriously, and the not-infrequent red pedicabs that are another quintessential Beijing feature. Walking on the stone-paved streets under the willow trees that line the lake, eating gigantic cotton candy while jostling with hundreds of fellow visitors, it’s an experience not to be missed.

Getting to Lake HouHai is an experience in itself. You can’t drive up and park next to it. The only way to get to it is by walking through one of the historical old hutong neighborhoods with tightly-built courtyard-homes surrounding the lake. My favorite way to get there is by parking close to the Drum Tower (GuLou) and walking along YanDai XieJie (skewed tobacco pouch street). Apparently, there were many smoking pipe stores along the street in the Qing Dynasty (17th to early 20th century), hence the name. This street leads straight to the central bridge over the lake. It was redeveloped in 2007 to preserve its historical character and, although not original, it has a great atmosphere with street hawkers and shops selling antiques, unique Chinese and Beijing gifts, handicrafts, and of course, smoking pipes. There is even an old post office with a lovely brass statue in front of a child posting a letter – a favorite prop in many visitors’ pictures. Unique restaurants and snack shops line the street.

Find out more here Footwalker

This post first appeared in the author’s blog Footwalker on December 14, 2013.

The author, Smita Chandra Thomas, is a wanderer and wonderer seeking truth, and magic. Her lens gravitates to the enriching, the bemusing, art and architecture, efficiency, and natural beauty. Her day job brings much of this together in sustainability projects that save energy in buildings and reduce impact on the environment. She is also the delighted and distracted mother of a 3-year-old.

Photos by Smita Chandra Thomas

There are still a few places remaining on Beijing Playhouse’s Winter Theater Camp which will take place this month, December 16-28. As with the drama group’s summer camps, the two-week program will see kids enjoy daily lessons in acting, music, and dance, in addition to working on the other elements of putting on a stage production.

In the words of Beijing Playhouse’s founder Chris Verrill, who we interviewed for the December issue of beijingkids: “They perform in the show, they create the sets, design their costumes – everything takes to do a show – and it all happens in two weeks.”

The camp will culminate in a final performance to (an often sizeable) audience of family and friends on the afternoon of Saturday December 28. This year’s show will be Snow King and Queen and the camp’s organizers make every effort to ensure that all students have similarly-sized roles in the production.

The final enrollment and auditions will take place on Sunday December 15 (the day before the camp begins) at the Beijing Rego British School in Shunyi. Kids of all abilities are invited to enroll, and the audition process is only to ensure a moderate level of English comprehension and to determine the appropriate role for each student in the final show.

The program is opened to children aged 6-14 years and will run Monday to Saturday, 9am-4pm, with a day off for Christmas. For more information or to confirm your attendance at the enrollment session please email performance@beijingplayhouse.com.

Read more about the Beijing Playhouse, its upcoming pantomime production The Wizard of Oz (December 6-22), and kids’ theater in the capital on pages 42-45 of our December issue.

Image courtesy of Beijing Playhouse

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