During the New Year holiday, five famous municipal parks in Beijing, including the Summer Palace, Beihai Park, Taoranting Park, Zizhuyuan Park and Yuyuantan Park, will host ice and snow carnivals to enhance visitors' cultural experiences in winter. 

Ice Carnival in Taoranting Park

It is reported that for the carnivals this year, eight winter sports areas will be opened in the aforementioned five municipal parks, including five natural ice rinks and three artificial snow areas.

Taoranting Park, Zizhuyuan Park and Yuyuantan Park will host snow-related events from December 28, 2023 to mid-February 2024. 

The Summer Palace, Beihai Park, Taoranting Park, and Zizhuyuan Park will host ice-related events from late December 2023 to February 4, 2024. 

The opening dates are subject to changes based on weather conditions.

The Happy Ice and Snow Season in Zizhuyuan Park

All these municipal parks will offer a variety of ice sports programs, including ice sleds, ice slides, ice bicycles, and bumper cars. Visitors can enjoy flying saucers, ice mazes, banana rides, snow swings and more in the snow areas. Additionally, Taoranting Park will welcome chinstrap penguins, king penguins, and gentoo penguins, providing visitors with the opportunity to observe the lifestyles of these Antarctic birds up close.

During the Happy Ice and Snow Season, Zizhuyuan Park will provide opportunities for sports enthusiasts to enjoy both ice and snow activities. In addition, visitors can indulge in a variety of culinary delights from food carts and explore cultural and creative products at the ice rink and snow experiential area.

The Ice and Snow Season in Yuyuantan Park features over ten sub-events, including a New Year-themed stamp collection, ice and snow sports, and family-friendly activities. In addition to classic recreational facilities for the Snow Flying Saucer, the park will also offer a small train for cherry blossoms viewing, a snow zone for kids, and other exciting attractions.

A small train for cherry blossoms viewing during the Ice and Snow Season in Yuyuantan Park

Beihai Park will host artistic performances featuring figure skating and Bingxi ("ice games", a collection of ice sports practiced in the northern part of ancient China) to promote the popularity of winter sports and increase public awareness of the benefits of scientific fitness. The Summer Palace will host several sports sub-events for young people, including an ice bicycle relay race and a recreational ice sledge game for parents and their children.

(Source: Beijing Daily App)