Ice skating, flower show attract thousands in Beijing

Many traditional New Year activities are drawing the crowds to local parks in Beijing.

Many traditional New Year activities are drawing the crowds to local parks in Beijing. In Beihai Park, where Taiye Lake has been turned into a skating rink, attracting thousands for some fun on the ice.

In summer, Taiye Lake looks like a mirror, but in winter, it becomes one of the best skating sites in Beijing.

Many outdoor sports fans gather here to skate. You can also rent an ice sled or bicycle to explore the frozen surface.

And for those seeking something really different, they can rent this unusual kind of "boat".

"This is my first time skating in a boat! It's amazing!" said a visitor.

And over at Yuanmingyuan Park, ice skating is going vintage.

The park is bringing the royal tradition of the ice-skating show into the present. Skaters dressed in colored uniforms take spectators back to the Qing Dynasty. Some of them even show off some special moves. Despite freezing temperatures, crowds gather early in the morning to get a glimpse.

Meanwhile, the 10th Orchid Show has opened at the Beijing Botanical Garden. The show features more than 300 varieties of orchids. Visitors can also get a look at some rare tropical orchids at the show, which runs through February 23rd.