Situated in the center of Beijing, the Shichahai Ice Rink is a time-honored natural outdoor rink. During the winter months, people of all ages step onto the ice that forms on Shichahai Lake to enjoy the fun of ice skating. Childhood memories of many Beijingers are engraved on the ice here, and some local skating enthusiasts have been skating for almost eight decades. 

Enthusiasm for ice skating at Shichahai Ice Rink has been growing continuously since Beijing's successful bid to host the Winter Olympics. There are more than 20 local organizations catering to various ice sports, among which the Shichahai speed skating team is one of the brightest.  

Above the ice, the crystal blue of Beijing’s winter skies is sharply contrasted by the team’s bright red training uniforms, and their training sessions draw the attention of many tourists. The team consists of nearly 100 skaters, the majority of whom are over 40 years old. The oldest among them, is nearly eighty years old. 

The Shichahai Ice Rink closed for the season, but these skating enthusiasts plan to continue enjoying their chosen sport by watching athletes compete at the Beijing Winter Olympics. 

(Text and photos by Wei Yao)

Copyedited by G.P. Wilson

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