Sport-loving visitors to Beijing don't' have to give up their favorite pursuits, since the city and many of its hotels have facilities that are as modern as those anywhere. In addition, it has organized a Spring Festival Round-the-city Race for over 20 years and annually hosts world-class competitions recognized by the International Amateur Athletic Federation. The favorite venues are the national Olympic Center, where the Asian Games are held, and the Worker's Stadium in the eastern suburbs.

In keeping with their four and five-star ratings, the newer Beijing hotels offer the kinds of sports and recreation facilities enjoyed at most of the world's premier and upscale hostelries: health centers with gymnasiums, weight rooms, his and her saunas and indoor or outdoor swimming pools, tennis and squash courts and billiard and electronic games rooms. Some also have massage rooms and bowling alleys. For individuals and groups, these are the most easily accessed facilities:

Mega-center Sports

Beijing Recreation Center, Beishihuanzhong Road. Telephone 4993417/499 3434. This is large recreation complex with a water park, outdoor swimming pool, 26 alley bowling center, tennis and squash courts, saunas, an 18-table billiards center, mahjong and electronics games rooms, karaoke and discotheque facilities, children's playground, Chinese and Western restaurants, shopping arcade and 1,300-seat multipurpose hall suitable for performances and large-scale meetings.

Tennis

Beijing International Tennis Center, 50 Tiantan Donglu. Telephone 701-3872. Hours: 0900-2200.

Golf Beijing Golf Club, Shunyi County. Telephone 944-1111. Hour 0800-1600.

Shooting China North International Shooting Range, Nankou, Changping County. Telephone 977-1368. Hour 0830-1700. Light civil weapons. Personal equipment cannot enter China. Qualified personnel available.

Swimming Sino-Japanese Youth Exchange Center, 40 Liangmaqiaolu. Telephone 466-3311. Hours: 1300-2200.

Hunting Miyun Hunting ground, Yaoxiang Valley, Xinchengzi Township, Miyun county. Telephone 994-4472. Personal equipment cannot enter China. With guide, guns and bullets provided. Hare, pheasant and deer are the game.