Beijing Workers' Stadium repurposed for winter sport

With the new Chinese Super League season not set to kick off until next month, the Beijing Workers' Stadium in China’s capital, home to the Beijing Guoan football club, has been repurposed to host snow and ice activities for the public.

Spanning approximately 20,000 square metres, the complex offers nearly 20 activities for guests to enjoy, and will remain operational until February.

Introducing the attraction to Chinese news agency Xinhua, Wang Zhen, President of Beijing Yousenmeichi Exhibition Service Co., stated “the northern square and the central track of the newly renovated Beijing Workers' Stadium, covering a total area of about 20,000 square meters, have been equipped with entertainment facilities and snow-making capabilities.

"Here, we present nearly 20 snow and ice trials, including snowmobiles and snow karts. We also feature designs such as large rabbit and bear models in a wonderland theme. To enhance the visitor experience, we have also set up areas for cuisine and cultural creation.

"We welcome the new year, the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival, and the Year of the Snake with celebratory activities."

The 68,000 capacity Workers' Stadium reopened its doors in March 2023 following a significant renovation project.

Prior to its refurbishment, it served as the main venue during the 1990 Asian Games and also hosted football matches during the 2008 Olympics.

The renovated venue is designed to serve as an all-year-round destination capable of hosting sport and entertainment events. The renovation project involved the removal of the stadium's athletics track and the addition of an underground plaza for fans.

Li Dandan, Director of the stadium's major events department, added “for the stadium, we are aiming to maximise the comprehensive utilization of the large venue. In addition to football matches and shows, we are also actively collaborating with partners from other fields, such as sports, culture, art, consumption, and innovation. We are keen to invite more high-quality content to the venue.

"The ice and snow paradise at the Beijing Workers' Stadium this year aligns with the government's directive to accelerate the development of winter sports. We have done our utmost to meet the public demand for ice and snow events, and we hope that the Workers' Stadium can become a popular, vibrant, and fashionable winter tourist centre."

Image: The Beijing Workers' Stadium at the time of its 2023 reopening.