magnificent Beijing, China

While the athletes are the stars of this summer’s Olympic Games, Beijing gets the gold medal for simply being itself. You came all this way for the games… don’t forget to have some fun with a couple of heart-healthy side-trips. Beijing is over-flowing with incredible architecture, culture, and history. Here are some choice destinations for your inner-athlete.

Tiananmen Square

Tiananmen Square, which is inaccessible directly by taxi, is particularly suited to the fitness-savvy traveler. Why not make a game of your visit? Test your balance and agility by navigating the metro system and weaving through the bustling square. Enjoy this famous area while keeping your moves sharp and your heart racing!

Great Wall

One of the wonders of the medieval world, the Great Wall of China is so long that it is visible from space. The newly restored Badaling section alone is long enough for a two-hour hike! Nothing can put the pizzazz into your power walk like an engineering marvel with over 2000 years of history!

Forbidden City

Also know as the Imperial Palace, it was “forbidden” for commoners or even uninvited nobility to enter inside its 20-foot walls. But this home to the ancient emperors was opened to the public early in the 20th century, so lace up your cross-trainers for this amazing collection of halls, temples and houses that is said to contain 9,999 rooms!

Summer Palace

The Summer Palace was built as of place of rest for former emperors, but you can put your step-training to use walking around Kunming Lake, the centerpiece of the park surrounding the palace. It also features a series of towers, halls, temples, a 17-arch bridge, and the famous Marble Boat.

Temple of Heaven

One of the greatest benefits of travel is the chance to experience other cultures. Any fitness fan will love visiting Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, where you can meet locals practicing both ancient and modern Chinese exercise modalities including martial arts, dance, and meditation.