I’d say it’s now autumn in Beijing, but we all know that Beijing’s autumn lasts about five minutes! There’s no need to live in denial any longer: it’s officially almost winter. That means all the fun family jaunts to parks and walks down the street in shorts and vests enjoying the glorious sun have to be put on hold until further notice, aka, April-May next year! However, there is still fun to be had and indoor spaces to be enjoyed.
If you’re like me, then bowling holds a weirdly special place in your heart. For me, winter is only bearable for the fact that I finally get to spend as much time as possible at my favorite bowling spot, seeing just how many strikes I can get. They are never that many, but the fun is in the trying. Bowling alleys can also be a great place to host kids’ birthday parties, a fun change from your average dinner at one of many Beijing kid-friendly restaurants.
Sounds like a good idea, but where do you find a good Bowling place? Like most things here, if you don’t speak or read Chinese, potentially fun Bowling alleys are added to the long list of Beijing’s best-kept secrets. Never fear. We have found some of the best places to indulge your bowling cravings in Beijing!
East Gate Bowling (East Gate Plaza) – 东环保龄球馆(东环广场店)
If you are in or around the Dongcheng area, then this particular spot is for you. About a five minute walk from Dongzhimen station, it comes complete with ten lanes. You have the option of paying for time or for games, with an hour setting you back around RMB 240. And if you don’t have your own bowling shoes, then you can rent a pair at RMB 5. Feel free to bring your own refreshments. Not a bad deal! Note that as one of Beijing’s most popular bowling spots, it gets pretty busy at the weekend.
Daily 8.30am-10pm. B1, East Gate Plaza, 29 Dongzhong Jie, Dongcheng District
东城区东中街29号东环广场B1层
Phone: 010-6418 1808
Ditan Bowling Alley – 保龄球馆(地坛店)
The name itself sounds pretty non-descript but this is a decent bowling alley. Boasting 15 bowling lanes, it’s big enough to host a large group, and since it is located just next to Ditan Park (also known as the Temple of the Earth), you can combine the two for a fun day out while there is still some heat left in the days. Prices start from RMB 35 for a set or RMB 200 per lane (RMB 260 per lane on weekends and public holidays). Shoes available to rent for RMB 5.
Daily 8am-10.30pm. Inside Ditan Gymnasium, 116 Andingmen Waidajie, Dongcheng District
东城区安定门外大街116号地坛体育馆内
Phone: 010-6426 5116
VR+ Pool, Archery and Archery Bowling (Fengke Wanda Store) – VR+乐园 台球射箭保龄球(丰科万达店)
This is a far smaller venue with just a handful of lanes but it bursting with fun potential. This spot also offers archery, pool, and VR gaming options, so you can make a whole day of it (some of the games might be better suited to older kids). If crowds aren’t your thing but you and the kids still want to have fun, then this might be the spot for you. Bowling will set you back around RMB 100 for two sets.
Daily 10am-10pm. Inside Play 1 Family Entertainment Center, 3/F, Wanda Plaza, 6 Kefeng Lu, Fengtai District
丰台区科丰路6号万达广场3层大玩家PLAY1家庭娱乐中心内
Phone: 132 6901 5765
Wangjing Bowling – 望京保龄球俱乐部
This bowling alley may be located in an Old Age Activity Center but don’t think that they won’t let you in unelss you’re a senior citizen — it’s very popular with a younger crowd, too. The alley has eight lanes and well-maintained facilities. Prices start from RMB 25 per game or RMB 200 per hour (going up to RMB 280 at weekends and peak times). A good option for those in the Shunyi and Laiguangying areas.
Daily 9am-11pm. 2/F, Beijing Old Age Activity Center, corner of Wangjing Beilu and Lize Zhong Erlu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区望京北路与利泽中二路交叉口北京市老年活动中心2F
Phone: 010-5601 3098
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Photos: Unsplash, Dianping
