Spring's gentle breeze, blooming flowers and green grass tell us it's time to go outdoors, breathe fresh air, bask in warm sunshine and refresh yourself from cold winter. Lots of activities suit the cheerful season, let's check out.
Group barbeque
Have chicken wings and beef slices preserved overnight, then call several friends and go barbeque together in a sunny day. Don't forget pokers.
Horse riding
To most people, horse riding is kinda a luxurious sport because it is expensive. A good horse may have the same price as a BMW sedan. Besides, you need take preliminary training courses before you're qualified for riding horses. The courses cost a lot of money as well.
Spring is a good season for the sport. The earth is not as frozen as in winter, which won't make horse tumble.
If you'd like to have a try, don't forget take breeches and gloves with you. Boot, helmet and horsewhip can be rented at the equestrian clubs.
Beijing
Jade Lake International
Health Club Dong No.1 WoodsPark, Jinzhanxiang, Chaoyang District 010-84341155
Horseman Club inside the woods by ChaobaiheRiver bank, Shunyit 010-89489340
Shanghai
Shanghai Huihuang Equestrian Club No.517, Sanlin Xinhualu
021-50848898
Shanghai Horseman China Equestrian Club No.1858, Sanlu Gonglu, Pudong
021-64110049
Golf
In early spring, you need a wool vest when playing golf. Reservation is needed.
What you need: A bag containing a whole set of golf shafts, gloves and shoes. Don't forget have a comfortable golf polo.
Beijing
Beijing Willow Golf Club No.76 Beisihuan Xilu, Haidian District 010-82628899
Beijing Huanqiu Golf Club Jia No.36, Liangmaqiaolu, Chaoyang District
010-64368181
Shanghai
Shanghai Lujiazui Golf Club No.501, Yincheng Zhonglu, Pudong 021-58797537
Shanghai Lake Malaren Golf Club No.6655, Hutailu, Baoshan 021-56590008
Cycling
Cycling lovers usually go as a group. Joining a group that fits your cycling skills is necessary, as if you're not so qualified, you'll be very tired cycling with them. Before starting, you need study the route first and make sure your body can bear. Have a good rest the night before and take a good meal before setting out.
What you need: A ready-to-go mountain bike, gloves, sunglasses, elastic pants and shoes.
Paragliding
Compared with other sports, paragliding is more difficult. It needs strict professional training. There are three levels of training, primary, secondary and advanced. After you pass the first two phases, you're allowed to take part in short-distance paragliding with the help of professional coach, which cost around 3,500 yuan. It will also take you long time to deal with it.
What you need: wind-proof glasses and gloves.
Beijing
Beijing Superwing
Paraglider Club Room B02, Yingdong Swimming Pool, Olympic Sports Center, Asian Games Village, Chaoyang District 010-4812411
Beijing Flying Man
Paraglider Club inside No. 245 Courtyard, Beisihuan Zhonglu, Haidian District 010-62344230
Shanghai
Shanghai Woxin Feixiang Paragliding Club Room 801, No.12, Lane No.6780, Huminlu 021-51035123
Shanghai Huayin Hangkong Feixing Club No.2017, Jiangchuanlu, Minhang District 021-65445580 ext 2522
Angling
Angling is not an exciting activity. Most of the time, you just sit there and wait for the fish biting hook. Some people go angling don't care how much they'll get as long as they have a relaxed time. But it's an activity need patience and quick response at the same time. That's why it is said to be sport for wise people.
What you need: fishing rod, fishing line, fish hook, bait as well as a bucket to take your fish.
Beijing
Taoranting Park Huaxia Angling Area by the west gate of Taoranting Park, No.19, Taipingjie, Xuanwu District 010-63510807
Beijing Guoao Angling Club inside National Olympic Sports Centre, opposite to Continental Grand Hotel, No.1 Andinglu, Chaoyang District 010-64910902
Shanghai
Shanghai Qihong Angling Club No.2375, Jinshangjianglu 021-52982913/13901737033
Qingpu Xicen Dianshanhu
Angling Field No.8118, Huqingping Gonglu 021-59291096/13916043783
(lifestyle.com March 26, 2007)