Beijing Parks(694 views)

Release date:2011-08-29 00:37:14

Despite the harsh climes of Beijing – freezing winters and hot, dry summers - the capital city does offer a delightful array of parks where its denizens gather to have a good time.

A personal favorite is Ritan Park, nestled in the old embassy quarter of Jianguomenwai; I almost never skip it when I’m in the city, and when I have to, I miss it. And while it’s not really a place for sitting on the grass with a picnic hamper, it still has a lot going for it.

Ritan is one of Beijing’s oldest parks and is named for the sacrificial altar dedicated to the sun that was built there back in the Ming dynasty in 1530. Throughout the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911), it remained in use by the imperial court. Surrounding the altar is a square-shaped park, lush and verdant in warm weather, and lively and cheering all year round.

Xiao Wang Fu, a popular chain of Chinese restaurant, has a large branch located near the northern gate of the park, which boasts an extensive terrace that is perfect for tea with friends on sunny afternoons and meals in the evenings.

Stoneboat offers the perfect spot to relax and hang out after filling up your stomach. The origin of this café-bar’s name is obvious when you see its premises: a recreation of a boat made out of stone and wood, sitting on the banks of the lake unmoving. From inside, when you’re nursing your drink and looking out to the lilies on the lake, it’s just as if you were on a real boat. It’s the perfect spot to watch the rain fall on the surface of the lake in spring and summer. In winter, the lake freezes over, providing a wholly different ambience no less enchanting.

There are also playgrounds for kids and fitness facilities for grown-ups. On a recent visit, we spent hours first watching an array of toned and tanned people racing up the climbing wall, then observing the table tennis matches taking place nearby. Afterwards we stretched our muscles, which had become stiffened by so much standing and watching, at the fitness park.

It was a thoroughly relaxing day in this oasis of calm amongst the hustle and bustle of the big city.

Further away, Jingshan Park just opposite the Forbidden City on the north provides the perfect antidote to the riches (in artifacts, information, culture and history) of the palace museum. It was originally an imperial garden constructed in the Ming dynasty and the hills of the park are completely man-made, using the dirt that was excavated in creating the moats surrounding the Forbidden City.

The highest point, at 45.7 metres, provides panoramic views of the structures behind the high walls of the palace. Numerous flower beds within the park provide photographic opportunities and add colour to the surroundings in spring. There are plenty of benches to rest and large open spaces for practitioners of tai-chi and dancers, groups with shuttlecocks and frisbees, and casual games of badminton. Groups of card players sat around stone benches enjoying the warm weather and the company of old friends at the foot of the ascent to the hill.

The last emperor of the Ming dynasty, Chongzhen hung himself in here in 1644 as his regime fell into ruins around him. There is a commemorative plaque at the spot. But the historical baggage sits lightly at Jingshan Park. All in all it was a joyful, restful place; lively and yet tranquil.

There are many other parks in Beijing which are just as enjoyable. Beihai Park comes to mind. With its sprawling lakes, and recreations of ornate pavilions and meandering canals of the Jiangnan region as well as the classical gardens of Suzhou, it is a showcase of the traditional Chinese garden architecture from around China.

Beijing’s parks provide pockets of prime spaces for relaxation, and brief relief from the intensity of the city.

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