Beijing’s Underground Metro Depot to ‘Grow’ Ice Rink and Badminton Courts: A New Era for Urban Sports
In a groundbreaking move for urban sports infrastructure, Beijing has approved plans to transform the rooftop of its Line 12 Tiancun Depot into a state-of-the-art sports complex featuring an ice rink, badminton courts, and other facilities. This project marks the city’s first application of its newly established “metro integration” policy, setting a precedent for how abandoned or underutilized transit spaces can be repurposed to serve public needs.
The Project: A First-of-Its-Kind Integration
Officially announced on May 25, 2026, the Line 12 Tiancun Depot Comprehensive Utilization Project will utilize approximately 11.19 hectares (111,900 square meters) of rooftop space above the depot’s parking area. The facility will serve as a multipurpose sports hub, with a particular emphasis on ice sports and badminton—two disciplines with growing popularity in China.
The project is being implemented by the Haidian District Sports Bureau and will be built in coordination with the metro construction team. The depot’s existing infrastructure will be adapted to support the new facilities, with structural modifications made in advance to accommodate the sports complex.
Key verified details:
- Location: Haidian District, Beijing (near Xijiao Airport, within aviation height restrictions)
- Total land area: 43.7 hectares (full depot site); 11.19 hectares allocated for sports complex
- Building area: Approximately 51,500 square meters
- Primary focus: Ice rink (for figure skating, short-track speed skating) and badminton courts (indoor and outdoor)
- Construction model: “Layered allocation” where metro construction preemptively builds infrastructure for the sports complex
Why This Matters for Beijing’s Sports Landscape
Beijing’s sports infrastructure has evolved significantly since hosting the 2008 Olympics and 2022 Winter Olympics. However, demand for accessible facilities—particularly for ice sports and badminton—remains high. This project addresses several critical gaps:
1. Filling the Ice Sports Void
While Beijing has world-class venues like the National Speed Skating Oval (used during the 2022 Winter Games), there remains a shortage of publicly accessible ice rinks. The new facility will provide:
- Year-round ice skating opportunities (unlike outdoor rinks limited by weather)
- Training space for amateur and semi-professional athletes
- Community engagement through public skating sessions
2. Badminton’s Rising Popularity
Badminton in China has seen a surge in participation, with the country dominating the sport at international competitions. The new complex will include:
- Indoor courts for year-round play
- Outdoor courts for summer training
- Coaching facilities to support grassroots development
3. A Model for Urban Development
This project is the first to receive Beijing’s newly established “metro integration” policy, which allocates 10 million square meters of development indicators specifically for projects that combine metro infrastructure with public services. The policy aims to:
- Optimize land use in dense urban areas
- Reduce urban sprawl by developing “above” existing infrastructure
- Improve public service accessibility
How It Will Work: The “Layered Allocation” Model
The project employs an innovative construction approach called “layered allocation,” where:
- Metro construction phase: The Line 12 expansion team builds the depot while preemptively constructing the structural foundation for the sports complex above.
- Infrastructure integration: Roads, utilities, and access points are designed to serve both the metro depot and the future sports facility.
- Phased development: The sports complex will be built in stages, with the ice rink likely prioritized due to its technical requirements.
Visualization: Imagine a typical metro depot—a large, flat-roofed structure. Instead of leaving that space idle, the rooftop will be transformed into a multi-level sports complex, with the ice rink potentially occupying the largest indoor space, surrounded by badminton courts, fitness areas, and administrative offices.
Broader Implications for Urban Sports
This project isn’t just about Beijing—it’s a blueprint for cities worldwide facing similar challenges: aging infrastructure, limited land, and growing demand for public amenities. Here’s how it could influence global trends:
1. The “Fifth Facade” Concept
The term “fifth facade” refers to the rooftops of buildings, which are increasingly being utilized for public and commercial purposes. Beijing’s project exemplifies this by:
- Turning an otherwise unused space into a community asset
- Reducing the need for new land acquisition
- Creating a vertical urban environment
2. Public-Private Partnerships in Sports
The project combines government policy (the metro integration indicators) with public sector implementation (Haidian District Sports Bureau). This model could be replicated for:
- Repurposing old stadiums into mixed-use complexes
- Building sports facilities above transit hubs in other cities
- Integrating training centers into existing infrastructure
3. Climate Resilience
By locating the ice rink indoors but with rooftop access, the facility can:
- Maintain consistent temperatures year-round
- Avoid the energy costs of outdoor ice resurfacing
- Reduce reliance on artificial refrigeration in extreme weather
What’s Next: Timeline and Public Access
While the project has been approved, specific construction timelines haven’t been released. However, based on similar metro-integrated projects in China:
- Phase 1 (2026–2027): Structural preparations and foundation work
- Phase 2 (2027–2028): Core facility construction (ice rink and main badminton courts)
- Phase 3 (2028–2029): Finishing touches, equipment installation, and public access
Public access details: The facility is intended to be publicly accessible, with plans likely including:
- Membership options for athletes and clubs
- Drop-in rates for general public use
- School and community program partnerships
Next checkpoint: Official groundbreaking ceremony (expected in late 2026). The Haidian District Sports Bureau will release additional details on membership structures and operating hours in the coming months.
Key Questions Answered
Will this facility host international competitions?
While the primary focus is on community and amateur sports, the scale of the ice rink suggests it could host regional or national events. Beijing’s experience with hosting major sporting events (like the Winter Olympics) makes this a strong possibility for future badminton or ice sports championships.
How will this impact Beijing’s existing sports venues?
The new facility is designed to complement—not replace—existing venues. Smaller, more accessible spaces like this are critical for grassroots development, while larger venues (like the National Speed Skating Oval) will continue to host elite competitions.
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