Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Other Activities
Cycling
Cyclist numbers are declining, but they are still huge, and cycling along with the masses is
a great way to feel like you are a part of the everyday city flow. It's also the perfect way to
explore Běijīng's
hútòng
.
Table Tennis
It's easy to understand how China dominates world table tennis when you see how easily
available the sport is. Schools have whole floors of buildings dedicated to table tennis,
and there are free-to-use tables dotted around the city, in most parks and most residential
areas. If you fancy being on the wrong end of a ping-pong thrashing, head to Jǐngshān
Ice Swimming
Every day of the year a group of dedicated Beijingers go swimming in the lakes at
Hòuhǎi. Nothing strange about that, until it gets to December, when temperatures plum-
met and the lake freezes over. Instead of taking a winter break, they rise early each morn-
ing, smash a hole in the ice and go for the coldest swim imaginable. Head to Hòuhǎi Exer-
cise Park if you want to watch or, heaven forbid, take a plunge yourself.
Nightlife
KTV
Bars and clubs are a Western influence. Most locals just go for a slap-up meal if they
fancy a night out. If they do go anywhere after dinner, it's usually to a karaoke joint, aka
KTV. You're locked away in your own private room, so it's pretty boring on your own,
but if you get the chance to join a group of Chinese friends, take it; the Chinese enthusi-
asm for belting out pop classics is incredible, and most KTV joints have an English song
list available too.
Báijiǔ
We don't recommend you drink this stuff - it is lethal - but the few old Beijingers who
are serious drinkers, tend only to drink
báijiǔ
; a potent liquor made from sorghum. If you
