If you don't want to dash all the way to Beijing's suburban ski resorts, or stay at home to kill time in the dreary winter months, skating is not such a bad idea, especially when you consider breathing some fresh air in the heart of Beijing's scenic parks.

1. Shichahai Skating Course

In warm seasons, Shichahai is a tranquil lake with weeping willows and floating lotus on glittering waters, which is in the west of old Beijing. Now in the coldest season of the year, Shichahai Lake has seen its water frozen solid. However, it offers a recipe to keep energetic in this cold season, and a paradise for skating lovers.

No matter whether you are professional or not, you can find Shichahai an ideal place to have fun this winter by skating or hiring a little sled to slide on the ice at Shichahai skating course.

Opening hours:

8:30 am -- 8:30 pm

Tickets will not be available after 8:00 pm

Tickets: 10 Yuan on weekdays, 15 Yuan on weekends

Skate hire:

Hire: 20 Yuan/ Hour, 200 Yuan for deposit

Address: Pingan Avenue, Xicheng District. Opposite Beihai Park. You can take bus No. 13, 42, 107, 111, 118, 701, 810, 823 or 850 and get off at Beihai Beimen (Beihai North gate).