Searching for that bit of wintery fun this weekend? Despite an extreme lack of snow, or any precipitation for that matter, there are still plenty of skating and even skiing options around the city.

Aside from a limited range – caged birds and goldfish perhaps – Beijing isn’t the friendliest city for a pet. They are unwelcome in many parks, cooped up in high-rise apartment blocks, ride in scary elevators and endure the extremes of Beijing’s bipolar climate. Dogs larger than 35cm to the shoulder aren’t even welcome to make the trip downtown. Thankfully there are a few places where you can console your furry friend by treating them to a new toy, a tasty snack or a fun day out.

Based on the theory of Yin (阴) and Yang (阳), TCM treatments use natural therapy rather than manufactured medicines to heal ailments. Below is a short introduction to the five most commonly practiced TCM treatments; at the bottom of the page you’ll find a few hospitals and clinics where you can try them out for yourself.

Spring is coming, and with it lighter clothing. Time to live up to those New Year’s resolutions – get in shape and shake off that winter flab at the following gyms and fitness clubs.

Lace up those skates and hit the ice at these cool spots around town.

With all this celebrating of 60 years since the founding of the People's Republic, we thought it was a good opportunity to check out dining options in the capital that offer a taste of China's revolutionary past.

Beijing isn’t the friendliest city for a pet. They’re unwanted in many parks, cooped up in high-rise apartment blocks, forced to ride in scary elevators and have to endure the extremes of Beijing’s bipolar climate. Those over a certain size aren’t even welcome to make the trip downtown. Thankfully there are a few places where you can console your furry friend by treating them to a new toy, a tasty snack or a fun day out free from the baoan’s watchful gaze. We’ve rounded up some of Beijing’s quirkiest pet-related outlets, along with information on veterinary care providers and where you can buy pets.

Expats in Beijing are reminded endlessly that one week of filling our lungs with this fine city’s air equates to smoking hundreds of cigarettes, or something like that. Pessimists will tell you that trying to save yourself with a diet of organic products is futile. While they wait to choke, stock up on fertilizer-free food and other organic products at these stores. All of the following shops are certified by domestic or international institutions, but clearly standards of what qualifies as “organic” may vary; we recommend making your own inquiries if you have doubts.

You may remember we spoke to Art of War organizer Conrad Pi a couple of months back; well, the mixed martial artists are back on July 18 with their 13th card of action-packed bouts. We decided to take another look inside the world of Art of War, but this time the fearless Wang Xueqiao got her verbal fighting mitts on and stepped into the ring with fighters Dai Shuanghai and Wang Sai. Here’s how she fared.

Let’s face it, summer in Beijing can drive a person mad. Hiding out inside under the A/C is no fun, and likely to end up making you sick, but the nearest beach is a day trip away at best. Get your fun in the sun at these outdoor pools in the city.

Baolian Sports Park Swimming Pool
In this sports park, there are two choices for you and your kids to enjoy aquatic fun outdoors. One pool is no deeper than 150cm, and intended as a safe play pool for kids and parents. The other, 150-180cm in depth, is a standard 25-meter swimming pool for adults and bigger kids (RMB 30 per person). The pools currently open at noon, but we’re told that they should soon be opening at 9am daily – call to confirm opening hours. Open until September 1. Play pool: RMB 10, free (children under 120cm. 25-meter pool: RMB 30. Daily noon-9pm. 48 Beiwa Xili, Haidian District. (6843 8898)