
Switzerland is world-renowned for its winter sports culture. The Swiss Chalet is a pop-up bar that brings the essence of Swiss alpine winter to Beijing. Initiated by the Embassy of Switzerland in China, in collaboration with Switzerland Tourism and with the support of Xicheng District, the Swiss Chalet serves as a platform for cultural exchange and public diplomacy, kickstarting the 75th anniversary year of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China in 2025.
Houhai is a sparkling gem nestled in the heart of Beijing, where the past meets the present in a breathtaking display. As the trademark outdoor winter activity in Beijing, ice skating at Houhai carries memories of generations of Beijing natives. The Houhai Lake is one of the most ideal natural ice rinks in Beijing to fill up people’s winter with enjoyment.
The Swiss Chalet is built at the shore of Houhai Lake on the foundation of a Chinese-style octagonal pavilion. It combines Swiss architecture and design with Beijing’s unique local charm, bridging the two cultures in a harmonious way. The frozen Houhai Lake provides an ideal setting for a public ice-skating experience, reinforcing the theme of Swiss winter adventure and leisure. The Chalet offers a warm, inviting escape reminiscent of a cosy mountain retreat, showcasing Switzerland’s rich cultural heritage, culinary traditions, and pioneering spirit in winter sports. It evokes the nostalgia of Swiss après-ski culture, where people gather in or outside chalets after a day on the slopes to enjoy food, drink, and catch-up.
Dates: 12 December 2024 - 31 March 2025
Opening hours: 12:00-21:00, daily
Admission: free entry, open to the public