Beijing Diary: Winter Shows The Other Side Of Beijing

By Samanta Tan Chiew Ting Bernama's correspondent in Beijing Samantha Tan Chiew Ting shares her take on China. BEIJING, Jan 13 (Bernama) -- "Does it snow in Beijing?" This is what my friends and relatives back in Malaysia often ask me. Beijing is a four-season capital and currently its winter with the temperature dropping to -10 degrees Celsius. In whatever season, the city gives its occupants and visitors a different panorama and feel. China's capital city is currently blanketed by snow, with some parts of the landscape appearing like a fabled land. For Malaysians, it is among the closest place to get a feel of the snow in natural settings. What more, Malaysians could enjoy the chill and the snow at an affordable price. Apart from the snow, visitors have much to see and explore in Beijing and will surely be amazed with the ancient and modern architectures in the city. MUCH TO SEE AND DO IN WINTER Whether one is looking for the first winter experience or just taking a short break, Beijing has much to offer from skiing, sightseeing to relaxing and enjoying the chill breeze at tourist attractions namely the Great Wall and Forbidden City. It's low travel season in Beijing during winter, which started in December amid the smog. However, for those looking for different experience in China it is a good period to sightsee the capital as it is less crowded. Moreover, one can even try their hands on skiing here during winter. The old way of skating or sliding around on improvised ice-chairs and ice-bicycles is a must try activity at the frozen Shichahai Lake. The frozen lake is one of the favourite outdoor ice skating rink for many local skaters from old to young. It's a traditional spot for skating that makes a comeback each winter. MANY NOT AWARE IT SNOWS IN BEIJING A Malaysian tourist Iwan Shu-Aswad Shuaib, 32, who was in Beijing for the first time recently was among the many who never knew it snows in Beijing during winters. "This is my first visit to Beijing during winter and I am not aware there is snow in Beijing. Beijing is one of the nearest destination to enjoy snow compared with Europe located further away," he said. Initially he feared the snow would put a damper on outdoor activities, but it turned out otherwise as there were still many tourist attractions to see and experience. The Great Wall and Nanshan Ski Village were among the spots in his wish list and he was amazed with the various activities and facilities offered in the ski resort to fulfill the needs of different group of skiers. A MYSTICAL PLACE IN WINTER He said it's good for people to explore Beijing and other parts of China to experience winter at an affordable price besides Europe, South Korea or Japan. Australian tourist, Shirley Colan, 28, said she loved Beijing during winter as the panorama and the feel were different especially when the city is blanketed by the white snow. "This was my second time in Beijing during winter. I love the city so much especially when it is blanketed in white and decided to revisit the place. Beijing is an amazing and mystical place, and a great place for photography," she added. She said travelers could see Beijing's landmarks namely the Great Wall, Tiananmen Square, Forbidden City and Summer Palace in a snow covered backdrop during winter. -- BERNAMA