With the freezing temperatures outside, it’s the time of the year to hit the ice and embrace some winter fun. If you are looking for some cool ice-skating rinks in Beijing, both indoor and outdoor, here are our picks.
Indoor
Skaters and shoppers alike can get their fill at this small indoor rink in the World Trade Center. This rink can get pretty full with Dorothy Hamil wannabees over holidays and weekend afternoons so go off hours or be prepared for people. 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.朝阳区建国门外大街1号国贸商城B2楼 (6505 5776, lecool@cwtc.com) www.lecoolicerink.com
This 800sqm ice rink is conveniently nestled on the first floor of Solana mall. While it’s ready for professional competitions, it’s also perfectly suitable for leisurely skating. Coaches from the Chinese national skating team offers classes for kids. 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
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) 冠军滑冰场, 海淀区远大路金源购物中心地下2层
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) 冠军滑冰场, 海淀区远大路金源购物中心地下2层
Xiyue Ice Skating
This indoor facility spans 1,000 sqm. 90 minutes of ice time (including shoes) costs RMB 35 (weekdays) or RMB 45 (nights and weekends).
This indoor facility spans 1,000 sqm. 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
Sanlitun Soho
The water fountains in the main plaza have been replaced by a kid-friendly ice rink for the winter. RMB 32 (including shoes and RMB 2 for insurance)/90min.
The water fountains in the main plaza have been replaced by a kid-friendly ice rink for the winter. RMB 32 (including shoes and RMB 2 for insurance)/90min.
Daily 10am-10pm. 8 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (6417 6110) 朝阳区工人体育场北路8号
Century Star Club (Capital Indoor Stadium Ice Rink)
Though slingtly smaller than a regulation-size skating rink, this club offers skating lessons for those less proficient on the ice.Private lessons RMB 300/90min; group lessons start at RMB 75/90min.
Though slingtly smaller than a regulation-size skating rink, this club offers skating lessons for those less proficient on the ice.Private lessons 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
Outdoor
Qianhai (Houhai)
The city’s most popular outdoor ice-skating venue features its intriguing hutong neighborhoods and assorted types of skating equipment available for rental. While in the area, heading for Starbucks and indulging in a hot chocolate may be a good choice to get rid of the chill. RMB 10/15 weekdays/ends.
The city’s most popular outdoor ice-skating venue features its intriguing hutong neighborhoods and assorted types of skating equipment available for rental. While in the area, heading for Starbucks and indulging in a hot chocolate may be a good choice to get rid of the chill. RMB 10/15 weekdays/ends.
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)
Dragon Bay 7th Street Ice Skating
For those who live in Shunyi and find it too far to go downtown to enjoy the ice fun, this family friendly outdoor rink in the Dragon Bay Viillas area is just a perfect place for ice skating when it freezes over. There is also music to keep things lively while you enjoy the brisk air and exercise. RMB 10 (Monday-Friday); RMB 20 (Weekends and Holidays)
For those who live in Shunyi and find it too far to go downtown to enjoy the ice fun, this family friendly outdoor rink in the Dragon Bay Viillas area is just a perfect place for ice skating when it freezes over. There is also music to keep things lively while you enjoy the brisk air and exercise. RMB 10 (Monday-Friday); RMB 20 (Weekends and Holidays)
Daily 10am-7pm. (8042 2396) Longwan Qijie, Yuyuan Lu, Houshayu Zhen, Shunyi District 顺义区后沙峪镇裕园路龙湾别墅龙湾七街
Zizhuyuan Park
Haidian’s favorite park rents ice sleighs (price TBS_ for winter frolicking.Entrance is free.
Haidian’s favorite park rents ice sleighs (price TBS_ for winter frolicking.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
Peking University Weiming Lake
When the Weiming Lake freezes over, it becomes a great natural outdoor ice skating spot with the best cultural atmosphere in the city. Choose a sunny winter day so that after having some fun on the ice, you can take a walk in the tranquil campus while enjoying the time in a piece of heaven among the city’s hustle and bustle. RMB 8/60min
When the Weiming Lake freezes over, it becomes a great natural outdoor ice skating spot with the best cultural atmosphere in the city. Choose a sunny winter day so that after having some fun on the ice, you can take a walk in the tranquil campus while enjoying the time in a piece of heaven among the city’s hustle and bustle. RMB 8/60min
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm, Weekends and Holidays 9am-8pm 5 Yiheyuan Lu, Haidian District海淀区颐和园路5号
Looking for more winter sports fun? Click here for more information about Beijing’s best skiing resorts.
Photo courtesy of flickr user IvanWalsh.com
