Downtown appeal

Beijing's numerous ancient architectural landmarks, from the Palace Museum and the Summer Palace to the Drum and Bell towers, have a way of glowing in cold, crisp air and the delicate beauty of snow. Apart from being popular with photographers, several sites have tapped into winter resources that add to their charm.

After experiencing more than 600 years of history at the Palace Museum in the center of Beijing, and soaking up the traditional architecture and culture behind it, visitors can enjoy nearby Beihai Park, which is immediately northwest of the museum. It dates back to the Liao Dynasty (916-1125) and covers an area of some 680,000 square meters, a good part of which is water. Originally a royal pleasure garden and place of sacrificial rituals, the park offers enjoyable activities on its frozen expanses.

For a grander and more expansive journey through imperial history and nature, the Summer Palace is a safe bet for travelers with high expectations. In the winter, Kunming Lake, which is about four times the size of Beihai, turns into a playground for people to stroll around when it freezes over. The fun is complemented by the picturesque beauty of the royal garden, where imposing pavilions and bridges blend seamlessly with the snowy landscape in a captivating fusion of history and nature.

For those seeking more Olympics-oriented experiences, the Olympic Forest Park, 15 kilometers from the Summer Palace, offers stunning views of the ingenious National Stadium and the National Aquatics Center, both of which were built for the 2008 Summer Olympics.