On the map of urban Beijing there are some 3,200 lanes, most of which are around 100 meters in length. The shortest lane is 10 meters long, and the narrowest less than one meter. The dramatic urbanization of the city has improved many people's housing conditions without changing or disturbing the particular scenery of the lanes in Beijing.

Due to their living conditions, people living in these lanes have their own way of playing sports, and the relationship between them is harmonious and close.

Most of the lanes in Beijing are adjacent to busy streets, yet people live a quiet, peaceful life, which is frequently filled with laughter. During their spare time, residents of these lanes often play chess under a tree. It is not strange to see good friends arguing over a move until everyone is red in the face. Girls in groups skip and dance over chains of rubber bands, while boys give full play to their soccer skills in the narrow lanes. A ring is also fixed on a pole or the wall, allowing basketball fans to play as fiercely as NBA pros.

The Qianmen Primary School is located on Tongle Lane in Qianmen, a busy commercial center in Beijing. Most of the students are from the lanes in the vicinity. The school has paid great attention to promoting physical education so that students have plenty of time to exercise --- an action that has encouraged students to participate more in sports.

The school has provided its young roller skating fans with regular, professional training, and its team members practice on their way home or in the lanes. The sound of roller skates and the students' skillful performance often catch the eyes of passersby, who stop to enjoy the show. "My students performed at the opening ceremony of the 21st Universiade held in Beijing in 2001," Teacher Zhang said proudly.

"My team will also perform at the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing!"
(China Pictorial Aug 15, 2003)