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Winter life in Beijing: Retirees keep on the move at Shichahai

Culture China 12:09, 05-Feb-2026

CGTN

, Updated 12:26, 05-Feb-2026

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Retirees defy Beijing's freezing winter with vibrant outdoor activities at Shichahai. /CGTN

Winter in Beijing can be harsh, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Yet at Shichahai, one of the city's historic neighborhoods, winter does not slow life down. Every day, retired residents gather outdoors to stay active. Some kick shuttlecocks, while others play Chinese chess. A few take part in winter swimming, while many use public fitness equipment installed along the lakeside. For these retirees, outdoor activity is not a seasonal choice, but a daily routine. Staying active helps them adapt to the cold and maintain both physical and mental well-being.