If you live in Beijing during the cold winter months, Houhai Lake is a must for ice skating and ice bikes. However, if you live in Shunyi and Houhai is just a tad too far to travel for a fun day out, explore the neighboring Dragon Bay area instead. Shops and restaurants, as well as villas of the same name, surround a lovely little lake that freezes over nicely during frigid temperatures. Sectioned off for safe skating, enjoy some time on the ice with family nearby.
The ice skating area is named Longwan 7th Street Ice Skating. It opened on the first of the year, and will remain open until February 17. Skate from 9am-7pm on weekends, or 10am-7pm during the less crowded weekdays. Tickets cost RMB 30 for all day skating, and skate/sled rentals are RMB 20 each. There are picnic tables and benches nearby, along with a snack bar for resting times, and the music keeps things lively while enjoying the brisk air and exercise. For more information, call 8042 2396. Those of you who prefer indoor ice skating, don’t forget Ice Zone’s indoor rink by the River Garden clubhouse. The RMB 30 cost on weekdays or RMB 50 on weekends includes skate rental. In addition to public skating times, they also have private lessons for both hockey and figure skating, youth and adult hockey programs, and areas available for birthday parties. Read more here.
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