December usually signals a mass exodus of expats from Beijing as they head home; however, if you’re planning to stay in Beijing over the holiday season there is still plenty to see and do!

Locals generally don’t take vacations until 春节 Chūn Jié (Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year), which falls at the end of January in 2012. This means that all the shops, restaurants, clubs and tourist sites will remain open throughout December. If you’re looking for winter activities to keep you entertained, here are a few fun options around town:[hr style=dotted-line margin_top=20 margin_bottom=20]

<span style="font-size: large;"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3551" title="DSC04295-300x225" src="http://ltl-chinois.fr/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DSC04295-300x2251.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" />Ice Skating</span>

Once the weather gets cold enough (generally the beginning of January), the lake at 前海 Qiánhǎi freezes and you can go skating, ice sledding, or even scoot your favorite chair around on the ice (yes, we’ve seen it done). Whether you go with friends or go to meet new friends, you’re sure to enjoy the festival atmosphere. After you’re done skating, explore the historic area’s shops and cafes. Entrance and skate rental will cost around 30-40 RMB, depending on the day of the week.[hr style=dotted-line margin_top=20 margin_bottom=20]

<span style="font-size: large;">Hotpot</span>

These steamy restaurants are particularly satisfying in the winter months. Hotpot is also a great way to bring together a group of friends for a warm and filling meal on a cold December night. A local standout is <a href="http://www.haidilao.com/">海底捞 Hǎidǐlāo</a>, known not only for its delicious food but also for the free snacks and services (including manicures!) that they provide while you wait amongst the throngs of Chinese diners for a table. The best thing about Haidilao? There’s a location right near our main campus in the Huashang Building!

Address: 延静西里2号 (Yán jìng xīlǐ #2) The building is on the North side of 朝阳路 Chāoyáng lù, by the 红庙路口东 Hóng miào lùkǒu dōng bus stop.[hr style=dotted-line margin_top=20 margin_bottom=20]

<span style="font-size: large;">Shopping</span>

If you have any weekdays free, this is a great chance to avoid the weekend crowds and bargain your way into some great gifts to send home (or keep for yourself). The area around Xidan (Subway Line 1) is full of markets and shopping centers with everything from the standard clothes and electronics to the more bizarre ornate decorative telephones. It’s still possible to go shopping on the weekend, but it’s definitely a full-contact sport. Fuel your day of shopping with a sampling of the wide variety of street food available, especially on the South side of the 西单明珠 Xidān Míngzhū.

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<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3550" style="font-size: large;" title="4247930944_ec9c180a1d_m" src="http://ltl-chinois.fr/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/4247930944_ec9c180a1d_m.jpeg" alt="" width="240" height="180" />

<span style="font-size: large;">Sightseeing</span>

We’re sure you’ve been to the Forbidden City with every friend or relative that passed through Beijing, but there are advantages to going back in the colder months. For starters, there are far fewer tourists this time of year; this means that you’ll have the chance to explore without the crowds. Also, many of the historic sites in and around Beijing take on a completely different look in winter weather. If there’s a snowy day, try heading up to the Summer Palace. It may be named for a warmer season, but it’s beautiful when covered in snow!

圣诞快乐 Shèngdàn kuàilè (Merry Christmas) from everyone at LtL!