What to do in Hong Kong when the API hits 500

Hong Kong's air pollution index hit 498 in Tai Po today. Government bodies ordered the cancellation of outdoor sports at schools and everyone was urged to stay indoors as much as possible and limit outdoor physical exertion. With all that in mind, since we care about your health, we recommend vigorous sporting activity should take place indoors at the following venues. (Click on the link to get the full details via our venue listings)

Skiing

Why waste precious holiday time falling flat on your face while trying to pick up snowboarding when you can nail your toe and heel-side turns before you even see any real snow? Strap into Slope Infinity’s real ski and snowboard equipment and practice on their silicone-coated, revolving slope. It's not as soft a crash landing as fresh powder though.

Golfing

At Golf Hideaway, you get to choose our own weather conditions -- sunny, windy, rainy -- under which you can play a round of 18 holes at 60 different golf courses around the world. The indoor simulation golf is perfect for practising without stepping on the greens or getting in the way of Tiger Woods. www.golfhideaway.com

Car racing

Hop into Sideways Driving Club's simulator race cars for a feel of real racing. The driving position is like a Formula 1 racing car cockpit – in other words, it is far removed from the Toyota Crown taxi experience. Once you're seated, there are dozens of circuits to practice on, from regular F1 tracks to scenic circuits around Europe and the United States.

Flying

Flight Experience is Hong Kong's commercial flight simulator where you can tackle take off and landing at hundreds of airports all over the world. Highlights include Hong Kong's old airport, the Kai Tak International Airport.

Fighting

This isn't a gym, it's a no-BS boxing training centre complete with sweaty stink and expert trainers. DEF is the place to be for a little workout-cum-anger-management. www.def.com.hk

Race walking

The ultimate Hong Kong race walking competition takes place in the least expected of places -- the MTR stations. www.mtr.com.hk

Paintballing

Paintball Headquarters is classic paintballing apart from the fact that it takes place indoors in Kowloon Bay. This means you can run away from the searing kiss of a direct hit from exploding paint pellets, but you can't hide.