Sports Events in Beijing

In Olympics badminton, there are men's and women's single, double and mixed double.

The major badminton power houses are China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Denmark, South Korea, United Kingdom as well as many countries represented by former Chinese and Indonesian players.

Each game is played with winning two of out three sets. The shuttle speed is fast. Any slight wind condition can affect play as so players have to adjust when they change court. Temperature will aslo room condition.

Besides physical and skills, winning in badminton is a major mental fight. Audience can get really rowdy but players are used to friendly and unfriendly reception.

Malaysia won her only Beijing Olympics medal through a silver in the men's single by Lee Chong Wei who was awarded a title "Datuk" by the Penang State Government and financial awards upon returning home. Well done Datuk Lee.

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Great Wall – the longest defensive city wall in the world.
Located in nothern China, starts from Shanhaiguan pass along the coast of the Bohai sea in the east and ends in Jiayuguan pass in
Gansu province in the west. Historical records show that about 1 million people, one-fift of china’s population at the time, were involved in the project which took more than ten years. When was finished we call it ‘Wan Li Chang Cheng’ which means ‘ Ten Thousand Li-long Wall’. More than 100 kilometres are well preserved and two other sections at Badaling and Mutianyu have already been renovated for tourist.

Equipment: Whenever you travel to the Great wall, please wear comfortable shoes with nonslip soles. The climb is step in parts and sometimes the stones are slippery.

Have you ever heard of Beijing Weekly Street Skates and Full Inline Marathon?

If you are a skating fan you probably would like to take a look at this website.

Weekly Street Skates: Every Friday evening from April to November.

Full Inline Marathon: Every Sunday morning.

Come and join the crowd, let's have fun together!

Do you like skating?

Beijing has many frozen lakes but you should skate only in those places that are actually endorsed by the authorities because they aren’t dangerous and there are lifeguards at the ready.

The official ice rinks include:

- Qianhai Lake at Zhongshan Park (Dianmen Xi Dajie, Xicheng district)

- Zizhuyuan Park (45 Baishiqiao Lu, Haidian district) and

- No Name Lake (Beijing University, Haidian district)

Make sure you do not stray from the designated skating areas because the ice’s thickness is not the same all over the lake.

Other famous skating lakes include Zhongshan Park, Beihai Park, Summer Palaces and the moat of the Forbidden City. These are the most beautiful scenic spots but if you do decide to skate in these areas, you are doing so at your own risk.

When you go skating, go with your friends and come back later in the afternoon, never stay in the ice rink after dark.

You should also get your own skates due to the limited number of larger sizes available for renting. Don’t forget to bring your mittens as well.

“Ice cars” (bing1 che1) are also very popular, so, I am sure you are going to have lots of fun out there.

Skating indoors

The largest and most popular skate rink in Beijing is Le Cool, situated in the underground shopping center (basement 2) that connects Traders Hotel to China World Hotel.

Beijing is an ideal place for cycling especially in the city's hutongs.

Cycling is not only a healthy and funny way to experience Beijing and the Chinese culture but it is also a much faster way to get around than taking a taxi or a public bus.

For the Chinese, bikes are more than a medium of transportation, bikes can also be:

- Matchmakers

- Friends

- Careers

- Works of art

Points to consider:

While riding by the cycle paths at the side of the road, you be careful for some motor vehicles, it seems they are fond of cycle paths.

Most of bike riders in Beijing don’t wear a helmet, however, in winter it is a must in order to cope with the ice, sandstorms and strong winds.

You also need a good lock.

If you have a flat tire or mechanical problem you will easily find a bicycle repair shop or a bicycle repair stand in the sidewalk, don’t worry. Cycle parking is also available for a small fee at numerous pavement bicycle parks.

Where to rent a bike?

Bicycles can be rented from a hotel and cycle shops, this won’t be a problem for you.
If you want more information about bicycle rents, you may take a look at the following website.

Another funny way to get acquainted to Beijing is by joining a bike tour. For more informations about it, please, check the website I provide below.

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If you are a soccer fan, and have a long jounery in Beijing, you can find some soccer players play with you. Dong Dan Gym and Altra of the Earth Gym are two popular place, you may play in these places for only 20 RMB. Don't worry about balls and shoes, lot of sports shop around there.

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Pool and billiards is very popular in Beijing night life, Dong Heng club is my favourite one. lot of players is expert level, if you went there alone, they also provide accompany service. Another club named Xuan Long, located at the south gate of Altar of the Earth, is also very good. they are all 24 hours club.

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Those who like a good workout should climb/hike the Great Wall. It's generally walking up a gentle gradient, but some sections are good and steep, and there are a great many stairs to climb!

If you're even more adventurous, you may want to consider parasailing over the Great Wall (as seen in photo 3)! Just imagine how fabulous the view would be!

Equipment: Comfortable shoes, drinking water, a hat!