Broaden your Hobbies

There is never a lack of things to do in Beijing. Whatever your hobbies are, chances are that there is an outlet for your activities. If you like sports, there are a plethora of different sports available on every university campus, from tennis to swimming to gymnastics. If you prefer a slightly more competitive atmosphere than pick-up games, there are leagues available throughout the city . One league popular among foreigners can be found at www(dot)mashupasia(dot)com.



But since you’ll be spending some time in China, learning the local language and culture, wouldn’t you rather do something just a little bit more local? To help with that, here are a few activities that, although not fully exclusive to China, definitely exude the local vibe.



Weiqi

Weiqi (commonly known to Westerners as "Go") was made famous by old men in the movies about ancient China. The game involves strategically placing white and black stones on a checkerboard until all the spaces have been captured. Because the board, and thus constraints, is so large, the strategy involved in Weiqi is more complex than that of many Western strategy games such as chess. It’s not absolutely necessary to have a long white beard in order to play, but it probably helps. There is a local club full of young and vibrant locals and westerners that play every Tuesday and Thursday. Beginners and advanced players are both welcome to learn the aspects of the game or improve upon their strategy.



Chinese Calligraphy

Chinese Calligraphy is an ancient art form that is still preserved in China, where the emphasis is on the motion of the stroke. There is a specific stroke order for each character that must be followed and each stroke must be delivered with ‘feeling’. In addition, learning this ancient art form will also help you learn Chinese characters and the proper method of writing them. There are a wide range of outlets for learning Chinese Calligraphy. Most schools offer courses in calligraphy and if you do a little bit of searching, you can also find clubs outside of campus that meet regularly to practice. Alternatively, if you go to any public park, you can usually find many elderly practicing their art on the sidewalk with just a bucket of water and an oversized brush.



Chinese Martial Arts

Another activity that was made famous in the West through Chinese movies, Chinese martial arts is ubiquitous throughout China. Many people participate not only to learn self-defense, but also for exercise. You can find lessons for slow-moving Taiqi, fast-paced Wushu or super-fast Wing Chung at almost any institution you decide to attend.



Global Language ( www.glchinese.com) offers study abroad program packages for students or individuals wishing to study Chinese or take martial arts in China. Packages include tuition fees, accommodation, tutoring, school registration, tours, social events, 24/7 service and more