When the lakes freeze hard in January, Houhai and Qianhai become a 100,000 square metre natural rink where Beijing families skate, ride ice bikes and push chair-sleds, a winter ritual that only runs a few weeks. Most winter visitors never know the lakes open for skating.
- Address
- Houhai and Qianhai lakes, Shichahai, Xicheng District
- Hours
- Mid/late Jan to early Feb, weather permitting: Houhai 08:00-17:00, Qianhai 08:00-21:00 (english.beijing.gov.cn, 2026)
- Best time to go
- Morning, Afternoon · About 1.5 h
- Price
- Speed skating area CNY 30 weekdays, CNY 40 weekends; general area CNY 100; skate rental CNY 30 plus CNY 200 deposit (english.beijing.gov.cn, Jan 2026)
- Price level
- ¥¥
Details can change. Check hours and prices before you go.
Good to know
- Tickets are bought by scanning the on-site QR code
- Opening depends on the ice: the 2026 season opened on 20 January