Water Sports (non-boat) in Beijing

You might not think of Beijing as a water sports hotspot, but there’s more to do here than just wandering around historic sites. If you're craving some splash without sailing, options like paddleboarding on Kunming Lake or the more adrenaline-packed wakeboarding at Shunyi’s wake parks can surprise you.

In summer, the Chaoyang District's water parks get pretty buzzing with people trying out river tubing,yes, floating along calm stretches of water while soaking up the sun. And if you want a less crowded spot, check out the man-made beaches near the Olympic Forest Park, where you can also try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding in peaceful surroundings. I recommend bringing water shoes since some spots on the shore can be a bit rocky.

Winter obviously isn't great for these activities, but from late spring through early fall, it's prime time for cooling off and catching some fun on the water. Pro tip: weekends can be busy, so if you can grab a weekday afternoon off, you'll have a more relaxed experience. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen,even Beijing’s sunny days can catch you off guard near the water.