Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ming pool—and for much less than what you would pay in a commercial venue. Renmin
University and Beijing Sport University, for example, both have tennis courts that can be
hired; Peking University and the China University of Geology have outdoor rock climbing
and bouldering walls that are free to use, though dubiously maintained; while BLCU has a
swimming center, athletics field, and gym. If you study at Beijing Sport University (BSU)
you'll have international-class facilities available whenever you have a break.
In addition to the university options, Haidian has a wealth of other recreational possibil-
ities. Relax or hike in one of the many parks around the district. Xiangshan (Fragrant Hills)
is extremely popular with locals for hiking—maybe a little too popular for expats on week-
ends, especially during October when the leaves turn a vibrant red and hordes of tourists
flock to see them. Get out here during the week and it feels entirely different. Fenghuang
Mountain (
www.bjfhl.com
) farther out in Haidian's far northwest corner is a more tranquil
option. To get here, take Line 4 on the subway to Beigongmen subway station. From exit A,
walk about 200 meters around the corner to the 346 bus stop, and take the bus to the final
stop.
You can also combine some hiking with yoga at Mountainyoga (
www.mountain-
modations, and meals, and in between activities you can explore the surrounding trails.
For team sports, you can join clubs like Beijing Aardvarks (
www.beijingaardvarks.org
)
.
Whatever your ability, age, nationality, or sex, they happily accept all new players. The
team trains on Tuesdays at Beihang University (near Zhichunlu subway station) and at
sports ground 26 Degrees on Thursdays—26 Degrees is actually out in Chaoyang northeast
of Wangjing, but arranged busses leave from Pyro Pizza in Wudaokou and from outside the
Jingkelong supermarket in Sanlitun (corner of Xindong Lu and Gongti Beilu) to take you
there.
Alternatively, Frisbee training happens near Zhichunlu subway station (Line 10, exit
G1), care of Beijing Ultimate (
www.beijingultimate.com
)
. The club holds weekly training
and competes several times a year in such things as the China Nationals Ultimate Frisbee
Tournament.
During winter when the lakes freeze over, you can break out your ice skates. Weiming
Lake inside Peking University is free, although you'll need to pay to hire skates, and
Zizhuyuan Park, on the west side of the National Library subway station (Line 4), has the
largest ice course in Beijing. Skate it or have fun on the ice truck, ice ship, ice bicycles, or
ice chairs. If you prefer to skate indoors, Champion Rink (
www.championrink.com
)
is in
Jinyuan New Yansha Mall. It has casual and club ice skating as well as an ice hockey club.
