Embrace the Wintry Splendors of Beijing
Beijing's winter reveals a quieter, yet equally enchanting side of the city, offering unique activities that cater to adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike. The season's crisp air and reduced tourist numbers present an ideal time for exploring and enjoying local traditions without the throngs of visitors.
Hit the Slopes
With the legacy of the 2022 Winter Olympics, Beijing's mountainous outskirts boast superior ski resorts. The Huaibei International Ski Resort, near the Great Wall, entices with its highest cable car and slopes for all skill levels. Let the majesty of the Great Wall augment your skiing experience. Beyond Beijing, Chongli awaits with its Olympic-grade ski havens like Fulong Four Seasons Town and Wanlong resort. These venues promise a dynamic skiing adventure amidst the splendor of the season.
Go Ice Skating
The timeless pleasure of ice skating finds a home in the historical heart of Beijing, where Houhai Lake offers eclectic ice-based activities set against an ancient hutong backdrop. For a more imperial setting, the vast Kunming Lake at the Summer Palace becomes an open-air rink where emperors once trod, providing a serene option for winter enthusiasts to glide across history.
Visit the Great Wall
The winter curtain adds a solemn beauty to the iconic Great Wall. The typically bustling sections near Beijing quiet down, offering a solitary experience of this ancient world wonder. Visit Mutianyu or Jinshanling to witness the wall adorned in a snowy mantle, creating a picturesque scene like no other time of the year.
Eat Hot Pot
As temperatures dip, Beijing's hot pot culture thrives with steaming broths and an array of fresh ingredients to warm body and soul. Try a traditional Sichuan hot pot, customizable to your palate, for an authentic culinary experience that encapsulates the essence of Chinese winter comfort food.
Celebrate Spring Festival
Chinese New Year in Beijing is a vibrant time marked by intricate temple fairs, cultural performances, and a city adorned in red. This period offers unique insights into local customs and a chance to partake in joyous celebrations that honor tradition and family.
Longqing Gorge Ice Festival
For a magical end to your Beijing winter odyssey, don't miss the Longqing Gorge Ice Festival. This spectacle, with its assortment of themed ice sculptures, is a radiant display of creativity and winter magic. Pair a daytime adventure to nearby Badaling with an evening festival visit for the full experience.
