By Jackie Zhang/He Jianwei (Beijing Today)
Updated: 2008-05-05 14:02

Working is pressure and time. People are increasingly forced to get used to the reality of regular overtime. But what to do with your time off? Some people like to visit peaceful parks, work up a sweat in sport or go for a long walk. No matter what you choose, you have to get away from the droning of office work.

Serene and elegant atmosphere is a must

**Xiao Xiao, film and television producer

The environment of the restaurant or coffee shop is very important to me. I like places with a serene and elegant atmosphere. Noisy places make me feel uncomfortable.

Dingdingxiang, a Hong Kong-style hot pot restaurant at Shinkong Place has a nice environment and classy interior. I like its crystal lamps. The sofa chairs are also comfortable. The prices are comparatively high, but there are a lot of flavors like seafood and abalone, rib soup and Tom Yum Kong soup.

For cultural activities, I go to the 798 Factory area. Usually I just stroll there to look at the galleries and workshops. The atmosphere in 798 is lazy, but full of culture and wisdom. Each workshop and gallery has a different personality.

Nanluoguxiang is a good place to take a walk in your spare time. There are bars, book stores and clothing stores. The place is full of traditional Beijing culture. The street combines ancient and modern Beijing.

Another place I suggest girls go is the spa and sauna in D-Villa International Club. Although it is mostly for rich people, the cost of the spa and sauna is quite reasonable. On average, it costs each person about 100 yuan for spa and sauna service.

Dingdingxiang Hot Pot

Where: D6006, 6th floor, Shinkong Place, 87, Jianguo Lu, Chaoyang District

Tel: 6530 5997

D-Villa International Club

Where: No 8, Xisanhuan Zhong Lu

Tel: 8802 8088

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