Reveling in a winter wonderland

Public embracing ice, snow pursuits in Beijing and beyond

Most outdoor sports venues in North China lie idle during winter - not so the National Stadium in Beijing which has been bustling with activity over the past week.

The landmark 2008 Summer Olympics arena, aka the Bird's Nest, has been attracting throngs of people to the annual Happy Ice and Snow Carnival, an interactive gala event featuring all sorts of winter sports fun, including ice slides, skating rinks and ski slopes.