Sports

Cycling:
An estimated 300 million Chinese people use the bicycle as a means of transport and, not surprisingly, bicycle hire shops can be found everywhere, even in smaller towns. Visitors should note that car traffic has been increasing in China , particularly in Beijing , where traffic and pollution levels are high. Major roads outside cities also tend to be busy.

Ice skating:

It is possible to ice skate on Beijing 's lakes during winter. Downhill and cross-country skiing can be practiced in the North-east provinces.

Fitness centres:

 Many fitness centres are linked to hotels and have membership fees, however, Capital Gymnasium, 5 Baishi Qiao, Xizhimen Wai Dajie (tel: (10) 6833 5552), is open for badminton and table tennis, among other sports. The China World Fitness Centre at the China World Hotel, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie (tel: (10) 6505 2266), has a gym, swimming pool and squash courts.

Swimming:

Many hotels have swimming pools but use of the facilities is often restricted to hotel residents or members. The Friendship Hotel, 3 Baishiqiao Lu, Haidian (tel: (10) 6849 8888), has an outdoor pool, or the Olympic Sports Center, 1 Anding Lu (tel: (10) 6491 0468) also has a pool. Waterparks have arrived in China in a big way. There are a number around Beijing , including Qingnianhu Water Park , Qingnianhu Park (tel: (10) 6421 6321), and Lakeview Waterpark (tel: (10) 6966 1696), by Yanqi Lake in Huairou County .

Tennis:

Indoor and outdoor tennis courts are available at the Beijing Grand Canal Club, Hu Ge Zhuang, Tongzhou District (tel: (10) 8958 2988). Outdoor courts are also available at the Beijing International Club on Jianguomenwai (tel: (10) 6500 3941), Beijing Tennis Club, on Xiannongtan (tel: (10) 6317 5606), and Beijing International Centre, on Tiantan Donglu (tel: (10) 6714 2374). 

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