31570324

i want to introduce a chinese friend how to swim. beidaihe would be nice, but maybe its not the best idea to learn in in the sea.
"national swimming centre" is in the near, but pictures looks to crazy for me.
anyone have experience with "liulang swimming pool" next to summer palace?
or is there another worth place?

moondog

If you search this forum using "swimming", you will note that I have posted extensively on this topic during the course of the past several years. This late in the summer, I wouldn't trust any of the public outdoor pools in town (I don't believe they change the water), but if the cheap pools in Chaoyang Park still existed, I would still consider checking them out because the setting was nice. I have never been to the place near the Summer Palace. The Goose and Duck Ranch could be worth a visit if you arrange a group (large enough to fill a taxi) to go up there; just call first to make sure the pool is still open. I usually only visit once per year during Summer Jam/Love; if that happened this summer, I didn't hear about it and/or wasn't in Beijing.

Insofar as indoor pools are concerned, I like (in this order): 1) Marriott NE, 2) Oxygen at the Millennium, 3) St. Regis, 4) Grand Hyatt, 5) Park Hyatt, 6) Kerry.

trueblu

Do these hotels take 'day visitors', and what are approximate rates? I have a feeling if they do, it may be too steep for us.

Our daughter started to learn to swim this summer in the states, and we're keen for her to continue. We'll be scouting out various pools on the west side. Tsinghua has an outdoor pool, but it is crazy busy.

tb

moondog

As much as I like swimming, I wouldn't set foot in the Tsinghua pool, even in June when it opens. Since you're a doctor, I'm quite certain that you get my message.

WRT the hotels, I think most of them charge between y100 and y300 for entrance, but I rarely have to pay for 2 reasons:

1) FTers (and other friends) that come to town sponsor me
2) I get free passes in exchange for simple marketing advice
-I'm guessing you or your wife could swing a similar deal with the Shangri-La (I think they have a pool there?), which is kind of close to your home

31570324

Someone want to sponsor me?
just want to go there and try to teach swimming to a friend for some hours.
so maybe the sea would be a good option at this time?

trueblu

Yep, we've been loathe to 'try' the Tsinghua pool, no matter that M-ZD used to go swimming there. I'm now wondering what sort of marketing advice Shangri-La may want from me -- would be great to use their pool!

tb

31570324

told her we could go to beidaihe and she like that, but think the water will be very dirty there. is she right?

moondog

She IS right. The only beach I've been to in northern China that I didn't feel was noticeably dirty was about 20 miles north of Qingdao close to the base of Laoshan.

31570324

Is it possible to go there in one day? train to beidahe will take around 2 hours, 20 miles by bus/taxi additional hour?

moondog

Not really; just do the (local) hotel thing unless you want to make a weekend out of it. I wouldn't even go to the G&D without booking a room, and it's closer than Beidaihe.

31570324

thats not possible, we have only one full sunday