Although the first sight of snow seems still far away, Beijing offers the city's fun-seekers many other appealing options, from royal gardens to winter resorts. Your sweet tooth and palate for fine art can also be satisfied by the abundant choices in street food and art exhibitions.

Let's take a look at 10 recommendations for things to do during the wintry season. Maybe you will discover some new ideas for your own list!

1. Sightseeing at Summer Palace.

The Summer Palace was designed as a summer resort for the Empress Dowager Cixi in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Recently it has attracted thousands of tourists hoping to catch sight of the setting sun shining through the Seventeen-Arch Bridge over the frozen Kunming Lake.

2. Mutton hot pot with family and friends.

As winter chill takes hold in Beijing, hot pot becomes more popular. Eating mutton, according to Chinese traditional medicine, is able to drive out the coldness inside the body and nourish your vitality.

3. Ice skating on Shichahai Lake.

Surrounded by historical mansions and natural beauty, Shichahai is a must-go scenic area in Beijing. In winter, the frozen lake becomes a giant ice rink, offering skating, sleigh riding and ice bicycles for beginners who don’t want to miss out on the fun.

4. A weekend at ski resorts.

Add ski resorts to your list of fun this winter. No matter whether you are an experienced skier or a novice, you can make a perfect holiday there. You can ski, participate in snow activities, or just sit in a cozy bar and appreciate the snow-covered landscape.

5. Hot spring resort getaway

It is said a hot spring bath is good for the body and the soul. For those who search for a relaxing spa away from stresses and strains, the city's hot spring resorts are life-savers. Clustered in the northern part of Beijing, especially Xiaotangshan town in the Changping district, these resorts offer a great experience for a weekend getaway.

6. One bite of tanghulu.

Tanghulu, or sugar-coated hawthorns on a stick, is a traditional snack in Beijing. Every year as the temperature goes down, sales of tanghulu start picking up at every corner of the city. Now, you can also enjoy new flavors, like orange, strawberry or walnut.

7. Culture tours at museums.

Going to a museum certainly is much nicer and warmer than staying outdoors. Luckily, cultural agencies like the National Museum and the National Art Museum recently unveiled several substantial exhibitions. For more information, please go to the National Museum and National Art Museum websites.

8. Enjoy Daoxiangcun snacks.

Indulge yourself with some light refreshments. As one of the capital's time-honored brands, Daoxiangcun has won the hearts and stomachs of Chinese people for many generations. One bite of its jujube paste pastry and you will find out why.

9. Off-peak trip to Gubei Water Town.

Not a lot of people have seen the beauty of Gubei Water Town at this time of year. Located in the Miyun district of Beijing, the small town is famous for its architectural style and the mountain-water-scenery around it.

10. Baked sweet potato ( kaohongshu), hot from the oven!

A vendor riding a tricycle with an oven full of baked sweet potatoes may trigger many people's childhood memories. This year, try to track down a street vendor and relive the sweetness of the past one more time.