ALL THE FUN OF THE GAMES

Beijing has recently unveiled dozens of winter tourist routes that feature Olympic culture, skiing, hiking, self-driving and gourmet food. They cover popular tourist sites across the capital, especially the Xishan Mountains and the Yongding River area.

Beijing will also host a series of winter sports, celebrations, Olympic culture and fun events from this month to mid-February, local authorities say. Here are some of them.

Olympic dreaming

Beijing Winter Olympic Park, Xinshougang Bridge, Big Air Shougang, Shougang No 3 Blast Furnace Museum and Kappa Shougang Infinite Park

Beijing Winter Olympic Park is in Shijingshan district and along the Yongding River. It covers more than 1,100 hectares. Improvements to the park have helped enhance the landscape along the river, linking railways and Shougang Industrial Park. The integration of various elements including Winter Olympics, Xishan Mountains and the Yongding River, the former Shougang industrial site and railways has created a new landmark in western Beijing. One of the highlights of the park is the 42-kilometer-long marathon route, which runs from Gaojinggou River, taking in many online attractions, including Big Air Shougang, Xinshougang Bridge and Yongding River Recreation Forest Park. The Beijing park features Winter Olympics elements. Visitors can appreciate the magnificent Big Air Shougang from different angles. The park was opened in October and authorities estimate that it has received nearly 200,000 visits.

Xinshougang Bridge is a 15-minute drive away. It was named a 2020 Global Best Projects winner by the US magazine Engineering News-Record. The bridge boasts one of the widest steel bridges in China. Its main bridge is about 640 meters long, whose main span is 280 meters and the widest part of the deck 55 meters. Standing on the bridge offers a great view of local landmarks, including Shougang Industrial Park.

An eight-minute drive away, the Big Air Shougang is part of an urban rejuvenation project in which the 100-year-old Shougang steel plant is located. It sits in Shougang Industrial Park, which underwent a symbolic transformation to house the headquarters of the Beijing Organizing Committee for the 2022 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. It is the only snow event venue in downtown Beijing, awaiting freeski and snowboard big air athletes who will jump against the backdrop of former coolant towers. It opened to the public in December 2019.

A five-minute drive away, Shang Brew boasts magnificent views of both Xiuchi Lake and Shijingshan Hill. Visitors can enjoy an array of craft beers and culinary innovations, as well as a relaxing atmosphere and a variety of vibrant social programs. The establishment features a contemporary and refined design and draws parallels between steel manufacturing processes and an industrial aesthetic, a tribute to Shougang Park's 100 years of history. Installations and components from the old plant area greet visitors at the entrance, and the stage in the lounge area hosts live performances.

The Shougang No 3 Blast Furnace Museum is in the northwest of Shougang Park and is full of ironmaking equipment. It is within walking distance of Shang Brew. The park suspended production before the 2008 Summer Olympics and remained dormant until it was announced that the 2022 Winter Olympics would be held in Beijing. An underwater garage covers an area of more than 31,000 square meters.

The design adopts two visiting circulations featuring nautilus shell spirals according to the prominent style of juxtaposing industry and nature. Visitors can enjoy an immersive experience here, appreciating the combinations of nature and industry and silence and excitement.

Kappa Shougang Infinite Park is a two-minute walk away and offers a venue for extreme sports. It boasts what is said to be the largest outdoor skate park in Beijing and can host international professional competitions. The park's design retains the industrial style of the old industrial site while integrating fashionable sports elements, a veritable Mecca for skateboarders.

Snow, lanterns and a lot more

Yongning ancient town, Qingshan Park Happy Ice and Snow Season and Longqing Gorge Ice Lantern Art Festival

Travelers can go on a guided tour of the town founded in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in Yongning in Yanqing district. They can learn about its rich farming and nomadic culture and history, and food and customs, while taking in architecture featuring elements of the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties.

The resort has signed agreements with folk artists who practice over 20 art forms, including ceramics, pyrography, straw braiding, leather carving and paper-cutting. Visitors can learn about local intangible heritages' history and techniques, and make folk items guided by artisans.

Qingshan Park in Yanqing, a 15-minute drive from Yongning, is often clad in winter white. It is an ideal getaway for families, who can ski and engage in all the fun that snow can bring. There are also farm animals in the park, including alpaca and little pigs. For those who want to stay overnight, numerous homestays are available in the area.

Another 30 minutes' drive away you will find ice lanterns of various sizes and shapes at Longqing Gorge, all part of a festival of lights usually held from January to February. This year, advanced laser projection will light up the mountains, and ice sculptures featuring Winter Olympics will be in place.

Leisure

Red Brick Art Museum, Beijing SciTech Premium Outlet Mall, Luo Hong Art Museum and COFCO Shine Hills

The Red Brick Art Museum is in the northeast of Chaoyang district. It covers 20,000 square meters. The integrity of each red brick has been maintained and offers respite from city hustle and bustle. In addition to the various art exhibitions, there is a garden that meticulously follows Chinese tradition. It includes a restaurant, cafe and VIP lounge.

About 10 minutes' walk away is the Beijing SciTech Premium Outlet Mall for shopping. The official licensed retail store at the mall sells badges, key chains, handicrafts and toys with Winter Olympics elements.

After shopping you can take a 20-minute ride to the Luo Hong Art Museum that is close to Beijing Capital International Airport. It boasts one of China's largest personal photography art museums. Luo Hong is president of the bakery chain Holiland and has devoted much time and effort photographing wildlife. He was named a "Climate Hero" by the United Nations for his contributions to raising public awareness on the importance of environmental protection.

Dining and shopping is available 15 minutes away by car at the COFCO Shine Hills, a big commercial space.

City origin

Lugou Bridge, Liulihe ruins site and Yunju Temple

Lugou Bridge, in Fengtai district, was built when Beijing first became the capital of the Jin Dynasty (1115-1234). Construction of the bridge began in 1189 and was completed in 1192. Due to flood damage the bridge was rebuilt under Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. Hundreds of artistically unique stone lions from different eras line both sides of the bridge. You can get a feel of past wars while taking a walk along the Yongding River and wetlands.

A drive of about 30 minutes will take you to the Liulihe ruins site in Fangshan district, offering a glimpse into the prosperity of the Yan state during the Western Zhou Dynasty (c. 11th century-771 BC). Since the 1970s archaeologists have excavated many antiques, including stunning bronze items. In addition to soaking up history, visitors will be able to take in the beauty of the expansive wetlands.

Also a 30-minute drive from the Liulihe ruins site is Yunju Temple. This Buddhist temple contains the country's largest collection of Buddhist sutras engraved on stone tablets. It also houses rare copies of Chinese Buddhist Tripitakas. There are many historic pagodas dating from the Tang and Liao (916-1125) dynasties. Study activities are held from time to time, including those relating to calligraphy and stone inscriptions.