Whatever the weather, China is warming to winter pursuits

National Fitness Day celebrations highlight rise in popularity of ice and snow activities

On a warm summer day, dozens of children wait anxiously with their skates on the sidelines of a Beijing ice rink as a truck smooths out its surface. Cleanup completed, the youngsters then eagerly swarm back onto their frozen playground.

Like many fitness facilities in the capital, Shijingshan Ice and Snow Sports Center is packed with children enjoying winter sports, no matter what the weather.