Month by Month - Beijing - page 58

Park Life
Group Dancing
Locals often congregate in parks for a hearty singsong or a good old dance. Large-group
formation dancing, accompanied by heavily amplified, patriotic songs is the order of the
day, and passers-by are always welcome to join in. It isn't just parks that attract group
dancing; any large paved area of the city, especially public squares (although not
Tiān'ānmén Sq), are prime locations come early evening. Try the square between the
Drum and Bell Towers, or the lakeside Hòuhǎi Park ( OFFLINE MAP ).
Flying Kites
The all-time classic Chinese pastime is as popular as ever and Běijīng's parks are a great
place to join in. Buy a kite ( CLICK HERE ) then head to any park; the northeast corner of
Temple of Heaven Park ( CLICK HERE ) is a good spot.
Games
Card games are very popular, as is jiànzi ; an oversized shuttlecock that's used for keepie-
uppies. Older people enjoy the soothing nature of róulìqiú (taiji softball). Whatever the
game, locals are almost always happy for you to join in. So, don't just stand there taking
photos; play!
Working Out
All Běijīng parks have exercise areas with low-tech apparatus, such as pull-up bars and
leg curls. Hòuhǎi Exercise Park ( OFFLINE MAP ) is a popular lakeside version. Some areas in-
clude a pebble path. Try walking barefoot along them; good for your circulation, appar-
ently, especially if you do it backwards.
Taichi
You'll notice some trees in parks have a worn out ring of bare ground around the base of
their trunk. This marks out the tree as a taichi spot. Every day, usually early in the morn-
ing, someone will come to this tree to perform his or her preferred taichi movements. It's
fascinating to watch.