Thu, February 11, 2010
Freezing outside? Don't be beaten by the cold. Embrace the ice
The Bird's Nest
The Bird's Nest has been transformed into an epic 57,000sqm snow world, in what is billed by the organisers of 'Happy Snow and Ice Season' as the largest skiing and snow centre in Beijing. Five thousand seats within the arena have been removed to make way for a 80m ski slope, 100m ski zone, snow sculpture area and performance stage, while snow cannons imported from the US will create 40cm of snow.
Past attempts to turn a profit by the Beijing city government (who own a controlling stake in the Bird's Nest) have been disappointing – Turandot wasn't exactly a massive success – so keep this in mind when visiting. Still, with activities such as snow tug-ofwar, dog-sledding and snowmobiles promised, it's bound to be a whole lot of fun for the kids.
The Bird's Nest. 18 Beichen Dong Lu, Olympic Area, Chaoyang district (8437 3008; www.n-s.cn/en). Open 9am-6pm Mon-Fri; 9am-9.30pm Sat-Sun and national holiday (until 20 February). 120RMB Mon-Fri; 180RMB weekends and national holidays. Children under 1.2 metres go free of charge. 朝阳区北辰东路18号.
Quiksilver Nanshan Mellow Park
The Quiksilver Nanshan Mellow Park (located about 62km from Beijing) is by far the best spot for snowboarders, with six jumps and a host of rail and box features to boot. If you're looking for slidin' and socialising, then Nanshan Park is holding two 'Fat Saturdays' (Saturday 23 and 30; admission 20RMB), with all levels welcome. There will be free coaching from the pros as well as demo gear to try out, and if all that’s not enough, the hotdogs are gratis too.
Quiksilver Nanshan Mellow Park, Nanshan Ski Village, Shengshuitou Village, Henanzhai Town, Miyun district (8909 1909; www.mellow.net.cn). Open 9am-5.30pm daily. Prices start at 100RMB for two hours Mon-Fri (including lift pass and snowboard rental); 150RMB Sat-Sun. 南山滑雪场,密云县河南寨圣水头村.
Longqing Gorge Ice Sculpture and Lantern Festival
Longqing's winter wonderland will never quite match the famous ice sculpture festival in Harbin for scale or beauty. However, it is a fun option for families who want to spend the day somewhere close, cheap and more comfortable than biting Harbin.
Located an hour's drive from Beijing in the Longqing Gorge, the festival has the usual illuminated ice lanterns and carvings, plus tobogganing (20RMB), a 100m ice slide (15RMB), and an entertainment stage. It starts in mid-January, but with yearly temperatures rising, the festival's window is getting smaller, so make sure you call ahead to check exact dates.
For minimal hassle, book a place on a tour offered by the China Culture Center, which includes transport, hot drinks, entrance fee and access to the toboggans and ice slide for 250RMB per person. Since there are no food stalls, and only two mediocre touristic restaurants nearby, it’s a good idea to pack yourself a picnic too.
Badaling Expressway (past the Badaling Great Wall exit), Yanqing district (6919 1020; longqingxia@bjlongqingxia.com.cn). 80RMB (entrance only). 龙庆峡 延庆县; China Culture Center’s Longqing Gorge Ice Sculpture and Lantern Tour takes place from 4-10pm in January on Sat 23, Sun 24, Tue 26, Sat 30 and Sun 31. 250RMB (all-inclusive). China Culture Center. Kent Centre, 29 Anjialou, Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang district (6432 9341; www.chinaculturecenter.org).
Wanlong Ski Resort
Let's be honest, the mountains near Beijing aren't exactly the Alps, but if you're happy to lower your expectations then the Wanlong resort, situated a four-hour drive from Beijing in Hebei province, boasts the longest runs of any resort near the city. At 2,000 metres, Wanlong is also the highest resort, meaning it has some of the best snow around.
Beginners can learn on the nursery slope, or enrol in a class with international instructors (from 210RMB/hour). More advanced skiers will be kept interested by the six new runs that were added last year, bringing the total to 22; however, at the time of writing not all of the new runs were open, so call ahead to check.
Unfortunately, this also means prices have rocketed and you can expect to spend around 2,000RMB all-in for a weekend trip. The only option for sleeping is the basic but comfortable three-star Shuanglong Hotel, which includes both a Western and Chinese-style buffet breakfast and has underfloor heating to keep your toes toasty. Rooms start from 718RMB weekdays (and 958RMB weekends) based on two people sharing.
Honghualiang, Chongli Xian, Hebei province (6553 6830; www.wlski.com . The resort offers a van service from Beijing for 100RMB one way per person (600RMB for the whole van). A weekend lift pass costs 1,020RMB (with equipment included); 610RMB (without equipment). Boots and skis are available to rent separately (from 200RMB per day). 河北省张家口市崇礼县红花梁.
Houhai & Qianhai Lakes
The most picturesque place to skate in Beijing has to be Qianhai lake, where skates and (for the less coordinated) bikes with blades are available to rent from 20RMB. Although many of Beijing’s lakes are used as impromptu skating rinks, only some are officially endorsed and tested for safety by the authorities. Qianhai has areas sectioned off that are deemed safe, and these will open when the ice is thick enough (between December and February), so bear this in mind when planning a trip.
While you're there, check out Beijing's hardy winter swimmers who perform short bursts in the water, sometimes cracking open the ice to jump in. Walk along the eastern shore of Qianhai (across from Starbucks) and Houhai between 3pm and 5pm on weekdays (around midday on weekends) to take the leap or, if your heart isn't up to it, join the crowd that often gathers to watch the swimmers brave the icy waters.
Houhai/Qianhai, Dianmenwai Dajie, Xicheng district. Dates and times for skating tba. Entrance 5RMB Mon-Fri; 10RMB Sat-Sun (20RMB skate and sled rental). 西城区地安门外大街.
