Yesterday marked Xiaohan (小寒) in China, the 23rd of the 24 traditional Solar Terms (节气). While its name means “Minor Cold,” this period often brings the year’s deepest chill, officially locking the city in winter’s grasp. Yet, this isn’t a time to retreat indoors. Instead, it unlocks the true spirit of Beijing’s winter joy, transforming its landscapes into a playground of sparkling ice and shared, frosty fun.
Here is a quick comparison of three popular spots to help you choose your winter destination:
| Park Name | Best For | Key Features & Vibe | Ideal Visitor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Olympic Forest Park | Families & Sporty Fun | Large, manicured outdoor rinks; often has ice bikes & sledges; spacious, modern, and clean Olympic legacy vibe. | Families with kids, first-time skaters, those seeking organized activities. |
| Tuanjiehu Park | Classic Local Experience | Natural frozen lake for classic ice sliding (滑冰车); bustling, lively, authentic local community atmosphere. | Adults and kids wanting a traditional, energetic Beijing winter day out. |
| Longtan Lake Park | Scenic Ice Play | Picturesque frozen lake set against traditional pavilions and bridges; offers both ice sliding and walking; scenic and relaxed. | Visitors who want to combine ice fun with beautiful winter scenery and photos. |
If you picture a well-maintained, cheerful winter sports area, the Olympic Forest Park is your spot. It doesn’t rely on a frozen lake; instead, it features specially prepared outdoor ice rinks. This means smoother ice and a focus on fun rentals like ice bicycles and plastic sledges, which are a huge hit with children. The atmosphere is vibrant and safe, perfect for families who want to try skating or simply play on the ice without the bumps of a natural surface. It’s winter fun, Olympic-style.
For the quintessential, no-frills Beijing ice experience, head to Tuanjiehu Park (团结湖公园). The centerpiece is its large frozen lake, which becomes a community hub. Here, you’ll find locals of all ages mastering the art of ice sliding (滑冰车)—seated on small metal sleds and propelling themselves with ice picks. The air is filled with laughter and the sound of metal scraping ice. It’s less about formal skating and more about shared, energetic fun. This is where you go to feel the pulse of Beijing’s winter community spirit.
Longtan Lake (龙潭湖) offers perhaps the most beautiful setting for ice play. The vast lake freezes over against a backdrop of traditional Chinese pavilions, arched bridges, and willow trees dusted with frost. You can enjoy ice sliding on the lake while taking in the stunning views. It’s also a popular spot for a brave walk on the ice (only if officially deemed safe and open). The vibe here is more relaxed and picturesque, ideal for a longer afternoon out where you can enjoy the ice activities and then take a peaceful stroll around the park’s snowy paths.
The Solar Term of Xiaohan reminds us of nature’s cycles. In Beijing, it signals the peak of the city’s unique winter joy. So, embrace the cold, pick your park, and create some unforgettable frosty memories.
Love Beijing’s winter joy? Dive deeper! Discover more frosty fun in our Winter Wonderland guide, featuring the best seasonal activities – including the breathtaking challenge of a wild Great Wall hike in winter.