Sports

Long-distance running is a traditional sport in Beijing. An annual Spring Festival Round-the-City also hosts marathons including a world-class competition recognized by the International Amateur Athletic Federation.

International and national sports competitions are usually held in spring and autumn. The important venues are the National Olympic Centre, where the Asian Games were held in 1990 and the Worker's Stadium in the eastern suburban region. Other favorite sporting events include table tennis, volleyball, badminton, swimming, martial arts, and soccer. Recreational sports are very popular so you should book courts in advance.

Most hotels have health clubs, swimming pools, tennis courts and saunas with massage. If you are in Beijing for any substantial length of time, you should consider joining a health club; otherwise it is hard to stay in shape.