Nanjing’s recreational activities cater to people from all segments and ages. The city has plenty of action stored for you in the outdoors with several lakes and parks to select from, where tai chi, boating, fishing, swimming, and cycling have become extremely popular. The city of Nanjing is also proud of its archery, fencing, and rock climbing, to name but a few. Here are some fun suggestions for keeping fit and active in Nanjing.
Archery
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.
Add: Zhongshan Donglu, Ming Gu Gong (next to Mr X), Nanjing
Tel: 025 8660 3535
Rock Climbing
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
Tel: 139 5169 3721 or 153 0515 1173
Horse Riding
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 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
Tel: 159 5050 7161
Fencing
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 Those still featuring active websites list out of date telephone numbers, and the locations themselves are very much locked up.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.
Add: Nanjing Olympic Sports Stadium, 222 Jiangdong Zhonglu, Nanjing
Tel: 130 0222 2006 (Liu Zhongxing); 180 0158 1020 (Liu Qiang)
Rollerblading, Racket Sports etc.
If none of those options sound attractive there are a plethora of opportunities available at the Nanjing Olympic Stadium.
Rollerblading seems to be the activity of choice for children, 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 to 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 9:00-21:00 Tel: 86690456). There will also be Taekwondo and a dedicated yoga gym.
Add: Nanjing Olympic Sports Stadium, 222 Jiangdong Zhonglu, Nanjing
Tel: 86690596 (tennis courts), 86690000 (customer service)