Top spots

Editor's note: A snow-covered Beijing can look totally different from the modern metropolis that it is and more like an ancient, charming city in a classical Chinese ink painting. The Chinese capital faces cold and dry winters from November to February, during which Beijingers turn to ice skating and skiing to keep away the chills. Ice skating at Shichahai is an especially memorable part of the local experience and tourists are similarly thrilled by it. Beijing is also rich in geothermal resources, making it an ideal destination for those in search of a blissful spa treatment to relieve them from the stress of everyday life. Here are some of these winter offerings:

1. Shichahai Skating Rink

Located northwest of the Forbidden City, Shichahai is a popular spot in Beijing and consists of three lakes. Its skating rink was built in 1952 and is considered the largest outdoor natural rink of its kind. Tourists can bring their own skates or rent them on site, which also hosts ice hockey games. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Beijing food in the area after their skating sessions. Opening hours depend on weather conditions.

2. Siyo Skating Rink

Located at Xidan Culture Square, this rink is one of the best choices in Beijing's downtown area. It boasts high-quality ice made with German equipment. There is also a lift rail to help beginners. Open daily from 10 am - 9:30 pm.

3. Jundushan Ski Resort

Skiing, hot springs and fresh strawberries all in one trip? This attraction, about 30 km from downtown Beijing and linked to the Xiaotangshan Hot Spring Resort, offers that experience. The outdoor ski area covers 150,000 square meters with some of the most challenging runs. There are free lessons for beginners and most of them can enjoy skiing after two hours of practice. The resort is also open at night.

The strawberry garden, offering fresh pickings at Changjin Road, is about 20 minutes' drive from the resort.

4. Nanshan Ski Resort

This resort in Miyun county is about an hour's drive from the city. It boasts 21 trails for beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers, including a challenging snowboarding park. There are also sled and toboggan runs with a 1,318 meter-long dry luge track imported from Germany for a day of family fun.

5. Chunhuiyuan Hot Springs

This 40-hectare resort is known as one of the best offerings among the hot springs of Beijing. Since 1997, Chunhuiyuan has largely catered to South Korean and Japanese tourists. Located at Yuzhuang village of Gaoliying township in Shunyi district, Chunhuiyuan is small compared to other resorts in the capital. Its 10 hot spring pools are all outdoor, around a small lake. It also offers private hot spring tubs in guest rooms and provides massage services.

6. Jiuhua Spa&Resort

Located in Changping's Xiaotangshan town, this resort was originally a winter retreat for emperors. With a year-round water temperature of about 40 C, the clear and soothing waters are said to contain various beneficial minerals and microelements. The resort is fashioned after the Qing imperial style. It includes different types of spas, a sauna bath, massage services and fitness facilities.

Su Zhou