Winter is rapidly approaching, which means it's time to put away our picnic blankets and frisbees and shift the fun indoors. On that note, if you’re anything like me, then bowling holds an odd, pin-shaped place in your heart. In fact, one of the things that makes winter bearable is the fact that I get to spend as much time as possible at my favorite bowling alley, seeing just how many strikes I can muster. Admittedly, it's never that many, but the fun is in the trying. Right?
While this all might sound fun a good idea, finding a good Bowling place is almost as difficult as landing that 7-10 split. Like most things here, if you don’t speak or read Chinese, potentially fun Bowling alleys are added to the long list of Beijing’s best-kept secrets. That's why we've rounded up some of the best places in the capital where you can truly be a pinhead.
East Gate Bowling (East Gate Plaza) – 东环保龄球馆(东环广场店)
If you are in or around the Dongcheng area, then East Gate Bowling is for you. About a five minute walk from Dongzhimen station, it comes complete with ten lanes. You have the option of paying for time or for games, with an hour setting you back around RMB 240. And if you don’t have your own bowling shoes, then you can rent a pair for RMB 5. And to sweeten the deal, you can even bring your own refreshments. Note that as one of Beijing’s most popular bowling spots, it gets pretty busy at the weekend.
Daily 8.30am-10pm. B1, East Gate Plaza, 29 Dongzhong Jie, Dongcheng District
东城区东中街29号东环广场B1层
Phone: 010-6418 1808
Ditan Bowling Alley – 保龄球馆(地坛店)
The name itself sounds pretty non-descript but this is a decent bowling alley. Boasting 15 lanes, it’s big enough to host a large group, and since it is located just next to Ditan Park (also known as the Temple of the Earth), you can combine the two for a fun day out – that is, before it gets too frigid. Prices start from RMB 35 for a set or RMB 200 per lane (RMB 260 per lane on weekends and public holidays). Shoes available to rent for RMB 5.
Daily 8am-10.30pm. Inside Ditan Gymnasium, 116 Andingmen Waidajie, Dongcheng District
东城区安定门外大街116号地坛体育馆内
Phone: 010-6426 5116
Wangjing Bowling – 望京保龄球俱乐部
This bowling alley may be located in an Old Age Activity Center but you don't need to be a senior to play — it’s very popular with a younger crowd, too. The alley has eight lanes and well-maintained facilities. Prices start from RMB 25 per game or RMB 200 per hour (going up to RMB 280 at weekends and peak hours). A good option for those in the Shunyi and Laiguangying areas.
Daily 9am-11pm. 2/F, Beijing Old Age Activity Center, corner of Wangjing Beilu and Lize Zhong Erlu, Chaoyang District
朝阳区望京北路与利泽中二路交叉口北京市老年活动中心2F
Phone: 010-5601 3098
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This article originally appeared on our sister site, beijingkids.
Images: Unsplash, Dianping