Staying active amidst a busy work schedule can be difficult, especially for those who don’t like gyms. Whilst there are many parks in Nanjing, it can be hard to navigate runaway toddlers, elderly tai chi enthusiasts and guards intent on enforcing no fun policies. Add to that the summer heat and your game of ultimate Frisbee won’t last long. Here are some fun suggestions for keeping fit and active in Nanjing.

Photo: baidu.com

1) ArcheryView In Map
Archery has been popular for a while with Nanjing locals, and another new centre has just opened next door to the shooting club. If you’re interested in developing some decent arm muscles, and don’t mind extensive bruising to your left forearm, this could be the sport for you. The centre features two ranges: ten meters for beginners and twenty meters for the more adept. Instructors will fit you out with safety gear and explain the technique to you, before letting you loose on the foam backed targets. There is a seating area with foreign television and drinks to rest between rounds. The instructors speak some English.

Add: Zhongshan Donglu, Ming Gu Gong (next to Mr X), Nanjing
地址：南京市白下区中山东路532-2号南工院金蝶大学科技园E栋2楼
Tel: 025 8660 3535
Opening hours: 10:00-22:00
Price: 80 RMB/hour (Group-buying, 49 RMB/hour; link: http://t.dianping.com/deal/306579)

2) Ice SkatingView In Map
Ice skating, as we’ve seen from the Sochi Winter Olympics, is big in China. There is a popular ice rink in Deji Plaza, where you will be faced with the slightly frightening sight of hordes of small children hurtling towards you at great speed – many of whom have not mastered the art of stopping. VIP cards offering packages are also available. 

Add: Deji Plaza, 18 Zhongshan Lu (at Zhongshan Donglu), Nanjing
地址：南京市玄武区中山路18号德基广场
Tel: 025 8478 8888
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00; Sat-Sun, 10:00-21:30
Price: 60 RMB (Mon-Fri), 80 RMB (weekends)

3) Rock ClimbingView In Map
Rock climbing could be a fun afternoon out if you have a head for heights. Nanjing Normal University houses the city’s only climbing gym. Prices are 160 RMB per person, but you can purchase advance tickets on Taobao for about 50 RMB.  You will also need to rent shoes and a harness. 

Add: 122 Ninghai Lu, Gulou District, Nanjing
地址：南京市鼓楼区宁海路122号, 南京师范大学
Tel: 139 5169 3721 or 153 0515 1173
Opening hours: Mon-Fri, 13:00-22:00; Sat-Sun, 10:00-22:00

4) Horse RidingView In Map
Horse riding stables where you can arrange lessons can be found on the outskirts of Nanjing.  These are going to take a bit of work to reach as most clients have their own transport and I’m told they are not easy to find by yourself. The centre is open 09:00-17:00 except in bad weather; you can call ahead to arrange a lesson. Riding is 260 RMB per hour or 2000 RMB for a membership card. 

Add: Adou Qin Horse Riding Club, Jiangning Qi Dong Lu, Nanjing
地址：南京市江宁区麒东路 江宁区机场木器厂左转即到
Tel: 159 5050 7161 (no English speakers are available)
Opening hours: 09:00-17:00                                                                          

5) FencingView In Map
If you search for fencing in Nanjing you will find a plethora of options, unfortunately most of them seem to be closed. Those still featuring active websites list out of date telephone numbers, and the locations themselves are very much locked up. It is possible to arrange lessons with a private fencing tutor (see contact details below) for 7880 RMB a year (which sounds expensive but works out at 40 RMB an hour) or you can also pay in blocks of three months for 2880 RMB. Their training centre is located at the Olympic Stadium and the instructors have experience teaching groups of children. However, they only speak a little English.

Add: Nanjing Olympic Sports Stadium, 222 Jiangdong Zhonglu, Nanjing
地址：南京市江东中路222号, 南京奥林匹克体育中心
Tel: 130 0222 2006 (Liu Zhongxing); 180 0158 1020 (Liu Qiang)

6) GolfView In Map
Golf might be a relaxing way to spend your free time, although the prices may raise your blood pressure. There is a full sized golf course near Zhongshanling set in the beautiful scenery of Purple Mountain. A full price list is outlined on their website in English. The golf course is open in the summer only. 

Add: Sofitel Zhongshan Golf Resort, 9 Huanling Lu, Xuanwu District, Nanjing
地址：南京市玄武区环陵路9号
Tel: 025 846 066 66 
Website: sofitel.com

7) Rollerblading, Racket Sports etc. View In Map
If none of those options sound attractive there are a plethora of opportunities available at the Nanjing Olympic Stadium.  Currently only racket sports and the swimming pool are open, but from the close of the youth games in August this year everything else will become available.  Some of what’s on offer is listed below:

Rollerblading seems to be the activity of choice for children in my area, and most of them just zip along the cycle paths with breathless parents in tow.  If you’re not up to skating on the streets, rollerblading is also on offer at the Olympic stadium.  There is a basketball gymnasium is open from 9:00 am- 21: 00.  Tennis courts at the Olympic stadium are already open to the public and there are eleven badminton courts available at the Olympic Sports Center Stadium (Hours 9:00 am-21: 00 Tel: 86690456).  There will also be Taekwondo and a dedicated yoga gym, although no information was available on these activities at the time of going to press.

Add: Nanjing Olympic Sports Stadium, 222 Jiangdong Zhonglu, Nanjing
地址：南京市江东中路222号, 南京奥林匹克体育中心
Tel: 86690596 (tennis courts), 86690000 (customer service)
Website: http://www.njaoti.com/

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Keywords: horse riding in Nanjing activities in Nanjing active in Nanjing