Beyond the Hotel Gym: A Foreigner's Guide to Fitness in China

A trip to China doesn’t have to mean a vacation from your fitness routine. But let's be honest, the sad, lonely treadmill in the hotel basement gym isn't exactly inspiring.

The good news is that a world of far more interesting options awaits just outside the door. From high-tech local gyms to the surprisingly intense national pastime of "square dancing," staying fit in China can be an adventure in itself. Here’s how to do it.

1. The Local Gym Scene: How to Get a Day Pass

Your first thought might be to find a proper commercial gym. China's big cities are packed with them.

• The Big Chains: Look for names like Will's Fitness, Tera Wellness (一兆韦德), and Physical. These are large, well-equipped gyms with plenty of free weights, machines, and class schedules.
• The Day Pass Dilemma: Here's the catch—most Chinese gyms are built on a long-term membership model and are notoriously sales-focused. They don't openly advertise day passes.
• The Strategy: Walk in confidently. The front desk staff will likely try to sign you up for a year. Be polite but firm, and ask for a "体验卡 (tǐyàn kǎ)"—an "experience card." You may have to endure a sales pitch and a tour, but most gyms will eventually relent and sell you a pass for the day. Expect to pay anywhere from 50 to 150 RMB.

2. Class-Based Fitness: The Flexible & Modern Option

In major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, the boutique fitness scene is booming. This is often a much easier option for travelers.

• Studios Galore: You can find high-quality yoga, Pilates, CrossFit, spinning, and boxing studios everywhere.
• How to Find Them:
  • ClassPass: This global app has a solid presence in Shanghai and Beijing, allowing you to book classes at various studios with one membership.
  • Dianping (大众点评): This is the Chinese equivalent of Yelp. Search for "瑜伽 (yújiā)" for yoga, "普拉提 (pǔlātí)" for Pilates, or "拳击 (quánjí)" for boxing. The listings almost always include a phone number. Call and ask if they offer a trial class—many do for a reduced price.

3. The Public Park: China's Free Outdoor Gym

This is a must-try experience. Nearly every park and residential community in China is equipped with a set of public fitness equipment.

• The Equipment: You'll see a colorful array of bars, wheels, and contraptions. Most are designed for mobility, stretching, and light bodyweight resistance—think pull-ups, leg lifts, and back extensions. They are surprisingly effective and heavily used by the local elderly population, who are often in incredible shape.
• The Atmosphere: In the early mornings, parks are filled with groups practicing Tai Chi. In the evenings, you'll find runners, walkers, and dancers. It's a vibrant, communal fitness culture.

4. Embrace the Culture: Tai Chi & Square Dancing

Why just use a gym when you can get a workout and a cultural deep-dive at the same time?

• Tai Chi (太极 - Tàijí): You’ll see large groups practicing these slow, deliberate movements in parks at sunrise. As a foreigner, respectfully watching is fine. If you show genuine interest and try to mimic the movements from a distance, don’t be surprised if someone smiles and invites you to join.
• Square Dancing (广场舞 - Guǎngchǎng wǔ): Don't let the name fool you. This is the heart-pumping national pastime. Every evening, public squares and parks are taken over by groups of "aunties" (阿姨 - āyí) with a large speaker, blasting C-pop and folk songs. The choreographed line dancing is a surprisingly intense cardio workout. Our advice: Just join in. Stand in the back, try to follow along, and don't worry about looking silly. It's a joyful, welcoming, and uniquely Chinese way to get your steps in.

Useful Fitness Vocabulary

• Gym: 健身房 (jiànshēnfáng)
• I'd like a day pass: 我想办一张天卡 (wǒ xiǎng bàn yī zhāng tiān kǎ)
• Yoga: 瑜伽 (yújiā)
• To run / jog: 跑步 (pǎobù)
• Workout / fitness: 健身 (jiànshēn)

So, ditch that lonely hotel treadmill. Your fitness journey in China is an opportunity to connect with local culture in a fun, active, and memorable way.