We've been taking time this year to enjoy some of the activities that Beijing has to offer in the wintertime. Firstly, it makes a huge difference to get a snow fall that is actually worthy of enjoying and so we took full advantage just
before new year by sledging with one of the families from our church.The only hills we could find were at the local skateboarding park! We also found a friendly neighbourhood Snowman. A prize for the first person who can translate what it says on his belly.
Our second outing was a couple of weeks later where we ventured to Ho Hai lake, a popular place in the summer due to its restaurants and bars, the local Hutongs (old style Beijing housing) and opportunity to boat on the lake, swim (hmmm..) or watch the beijingers themselves playing Ma Jong. However, in the winter it takes on a whole new atmosphere as people flock to skate on the frozen lake. There are some wonderful contraptions for those who don't fancy skating, including a chair that you can propel yourself around on using ski poles. We went for the Bicycle option and had a thoroughly enjoyable time cruising around the lake.
It's hard to believe that even in these temperatures, there are those people/polar bears who still enjoy a dip in the lake, hence this part seen above that is sectioned off for those willing to take the plunge.
Our latest exploration was last weekend to Long Qing Lake. Not being able to make it to the renowned Ice Festival in Harbin, we thought we'd visit the Beijing version to get a small glimpse of the sculptures that so many talk of.
