Joy amid the cold in the capital

(chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2009-02-02 15:00

There is no better way to experience winter than skating in the fresh air. Why not get your skates on, glide around on an outdoor ice skating rink, and have your own winter adventure!

In recent years, the rink at Houhai has dominated the skating scene, however, there are heaps of new ice rinks popping up all over the capital year after year. With skating facilities at the Bird's Nest and The Place, some of Beijing’s most historical attractions are dabbling in a spot of fun.

At the ice rink at Houhai, not only can you ice skate, but sleds and ice bikes are also available. With a flavor of old Beijing folk culture, people young and old can all enjoy. It’s a great fun day out for families, friends, and couples.

But before you lace up those skates, please flow these simple rules:

-- If you are not confident of your ice skating skills, stay close to the boards.

-- If you feel yourself start to fall, letting yourself sit down naturally without struggling usually hurts less than trying to save it.

-- Don’t be discouraged by or worry about falling, everybody around you has fallen and often in odd and embarrassing ways. It’s part of the learning process and fun -- only process are for you, the fun are for others!

-- The last but not the least, always wear warm clothing.