What's there to do for fun in Beijing?

Beijing has a multitude of activities you can partake in when you
are not studying.  As the cost of living is much cheaper here than in
the U.S., you can enjoy most of them for a very reasonable price.

Coffee shops and tea houses provide nice places to meet with a
language partner, study some Chinese, or just chat with friends.  
For those who are more drawn to the nightlife, Beijing boasts a
large number and variety of bars, located all over the city.  The
nightclub scene is becoming more popular as well, and visitors
can find house, hip-hop, and more at clubs in Beijing.  Visiting DJs
from abroad also add to the party scene.

Trips to such sites as the Summer Palace, Forbidden City, Temple
of Heaven, and Great Wall are a must for anybody visiting China for
the first time.  Beijing also has two amusement parks, a zoo, an
aquarium, and the world carnival has visited us the past two
summers.  In the winter, there are a few mountains that offer
skiing and snowboarding, located about 40 km north of the city.

There are often concerts on the weekend, recently including such
artists as Whitney Houston, Deep Purple, The Backstreet Boys,
and a large number of Mainland Chinese, Hong Kong, Taiwanese,
Korean and Japanese stars.  It is rumored that the Rolling Stones
will be visiting fall 2006.

Beijing also has a number of parks that one should visit while
staying here.  The grass, lakes, and quite atmosphere provide a
welcome break from the bustling activity one encounters on the
streets of Beijing.  The Fragrant Hills, located in the west of
Beijing, are another option for those who wish to enjoy a more
natural setting while staying here.

These are but a few of the many things one can do to occupy their
time while living in Beijing.  But don't trust us, come and
experience it for yourself.