Fancy doing some ice skating on the lake? Yes, it really is cold enough nowadays that the lakes in Beijing are frozen solid!
Chaoyang Park 朝阳公园
Chaoyang Park’s ice skating is open, but be warned: It’s insanely crowded during the weekends. Enter from Gate 4 on the west side of the park if you’re looking for the fastest route to the ice skating. The park itself is completely free for both adults and kids, but there is a fee of RMB 20 per person for skating.
If you have your own skates then just go on ahead onto the ice! If you need to rent skating equipment there’s a little booth right across from the entrance of the lake.
Aside from skating, there are also ice bikes and chairs that you can rent for some icy winter fun.
Pricing:
Entry: RMB 20 (unlimited time)
Ice Skates: RMB 30/hour
Ice Skating Chair: RMB 30/hour
Ice Cycling Bike: RMB 30/hour
Tandem Ice Cycling Bike: RMB 50/hour
Slide: RMB 10/each time
According to a security guard who works at Chaoyang Park, if you’re hoping to skate and avoid the crowd Mondays are the best days to visit.
The line for the slide on the weekend
There’s also a long ice slide by the entrance, so be sure to squeeze in some time for a quick thrill before heading home!
Shichahai Ice Rink 什刹海冰场
The lakes in Qianhai and Houhai are local favorites for winter ice skating. There are 160,000 square meters of frozen lake open daily from 9am to 7.50pm, just in time for the Qianhai Night Market to start from 5-9pm.
As with most outdoor ice skating rinks, this one also has options for ice bikes and chairs for whose who want to try something new.
Pricing:
RMB 60 on weekdays
RMB 80 on weekends and holidays
Ice Skates: RMB 30/pair
Images: Beijing Evening News, Mina Yan
