Even though Beijing’s atmopshere and environment are not too conducive to public exercise, staying in shape is relatively easy as the city offers a wealth of gyms and clubs. Many of them are attached to hotels or foreign apartment complexes. For those who despise sweating it out on a treadmill, Beijing is a great place to practice mind-body disciplines such as yoga, taichi or qigong.

 

There is also no shortage of health spas and massage parlours in Beijing. While massage is considered an indulgence in the West, in China it is regarded as integral to the overall preservation of health.  The city therefore has an abundance of massage parlours, some of which are far more reputable than others.  Blind massage (in which the masseurs are blind) is a particularly popular and affordable type of massage among locals.