Wang Yuanyuan cheekywang@hotmail.com MANY lakes in North China freeze over in winter, giving locals the chance to skate on them for free. Shenzhen doesn’t offer that privilege. But fortunately, the city makes up for it with a number of ice rinks. Before starting, it is important to check a few things, said Zhang Xiaofeng, an ice skating coach in the city. “You should firstly check the rink and avoid uneven surfaces. Beginners should not venture too far from the side of the rink,” he said. Boots and blades should also be put through basic safety checks. “For example, you should check whether the connection between the blade and boot is strong enough, and whether the blade is sharp enough. Skaters should also make sure their boot laces are firmly tied,” Zhang said. Even though it’s cold, skaters are advised against wearing too many layers as they need to keep themselves mobile. “Some simple sportswear along with a pair of gloves and a woolly hat should suffice,” he said. It is particularly unwise to skate while tired. “It is more difficult to maintain balance while tired, so take a rest every 30 minutes,” Zhang said. While resting, you should remove the skates to help the blood flow faster. If you do lose your balance and fall, don’t struggle, as this will likely make it worse. Just let yourself go. The skating rinks in the city offer a wide selection of skates, but it is still a good idea to buy your own pair online. There is abundant stuff to choose from on taobao.com. The shops around Shenzhen Stadium in Futian District also have a decent, if slightly more expensive, selection. Fun on the ice ICE skating is a very social sport, allowing families and friends the chance to bond and have fun. It helps improve all sorts of functions too — from balance to co-ordination. Getting the basics under your belt can also lead to further accomplishment from dancing on ice to playing ice hockey, two further sports which can bring even more fun and health benefits for the participant. Ice skating improves cardiovascular health immensely without putting any pressure on joints, using a fluid movement to improve physical health and fitness as opposed to the impact of things such as running. It keeps the heart healthy, builds endurance, burns a significant amount of calories and tones an array of different muscles. The movement doesn’t just help tone the legs and buttocks, but also the back and stomach. Regular participation will be a great deal of fun, and potentially help you look great. It has been proven to help reduce stress, improve mental awareness and help enhance general body control. It is a very enjoyable pastime. (SD-Agencies) Venues World Ice Arena The rink in The MixC in Luohu District is the largest in Southeast Asia. Training is offered to children and skating performances, competitions and even wedding ceremonies are held at the venue. Add: 4/F, The MixC, 1881 Bao’an Road South, Luohu District (罗湖区宝安南路1881号万象城四楼) Opening hours: 10: 30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tel: 8266-8288, Ext. 1 Price: 60 yuan per person Metro: Grand Theater Station (大剧院站), Exit C All Star Skating Club Using equipment that meets international standards, the rink is fit for both amateurs’ entertainment and professional competition. Funded by a group of China’s top sports stars, the rink is under the management of former Asian Skating Champion Wang Rui. Professional skaters train at the venue. Add: B2, Yitian Holiday Plaza, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District (南山区华侨城益田假日广场B2层) Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tel: 8629-9090 Price: 60 yuan per person Metro: Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit D Coastal Ice Rink Coastal Ice Rink can hold 300 skaters at a time and skaters can enjoy a beautiful street view from the big window while skating with friends and family. Training is offered at the venue. Add: 4/F, Coastal City, 33 Wenxin Road 5, Nanshan District (南山区文心五路33号海岸城广场四楼) Opening hours: 10: 30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tel: 8635-9898 Price: 70 yuan per person Metro: Houhai Station (后海站), Exit E Xiyo Ice Skating Rink Located in Coco Park Longgang outlet, the Xiyo Ice Skating Rink is one of the newest rinks in the city. Lessons are offered to children. Add: 4/F, Coco Park Longgang outlet, 666 Ainan Road, Longgang District (龙岗区爱南路666号Coco Park龙岗店) Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tel: 2898-5505 Price: 50 yuan per person Metro: Universide Station (大运站), Exit C or Ailian Station (爱联站), Exit D Alps Ice and Snow World The Alps Ice and Snow World is the country’s largest entertainment ice venue. Performances are regularly held. The venue also boasts a ski slope. There are professional training programs. Add: Inside Window of the World, 9037 Shennan Boulevard, Overseas Chinese Town, Nanshan District (南山区华侨城深南大道9037号世界之窗内) Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 9: 30 p.m. Tel: 2660-8000 Price: 60 yuan per person Metro: Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit I | 