Quiksilver skateboarder Xu Ying, who's been riding in Beijing for eight years, picks his top spots in town for skaters to rip it up
Best for newbies The square behind the Bird's Nest stadium
If you're feeling uneasy about skateboarding for the first time, the area is great because there's little chance that you'll get hurt. The concrete is completely flat and smooth and allows for easy riding. But there's enough to keep you interested when you get better: there are a lot of benches for ollies and baby grinds.
National Stadium Olympic Green, 18 Beichen Dong Lu, Chaoyang district. 国家体育场 (鸟巢), 朝阳区北辰东路18号
Best hangout St Joseph's (Dongtang), Wangfujing Church
Every weekend, loads of us go down to ride the stairs and rails in front of the church – this is the main spot in town for skaters, and it's a great for picking up tips. We know the people who run the church, and they're happy with us outside. When they have a service, we skate somewhere else.
St Joseph's (Dongtang), Wangfujing Church 74 Wangfujing (500m north of Wangfujing subway station), Dongcheng district. 王府井天主教堂, 东城区王府井大街74号.
Best all-rounder Guanghua Lu mini-ramp
This place was built by Club Sandwich owner Elijah Kislevitz and Nathan Mettler, the China manager of skate brand Independent Truck Company, and it's the only miniramp you'll find in Beijing. You can do pretty much anything on it, from grinds to railstands and ollies. It's a favourite spot of mine because it isn't intimidating – normally we put on some music and have a few beers.
Mini ramp at Guanghua Lu 8 Guanghua Dong Lu (behind the parking lot of the Heqiao building), Chaoyang district. 朝阳区光华东路8号
Email to Friends
Print
Save