Tai Chi in the Park
Trip Start
Aug 14, 2009
1
5
Trip End
Oct 01, 2009
Beijing, China
Saturday, August 15, 2009
Today we decided to visit Tian'anmen Square where one is able to visit Tiananmen Tower, Monument to the People's Heroes, Great Hall of the People, and the Mao Zedong Memorial Hall. Daily the Square is visited by thousands of people. And today it seems there are several thousand tourists. (A note to self - stay away from touristy locals on Saturdays and Sundays). Naturally-long, long, long queues. Only one place that did not have never ending lines - ZhongShan.
ZhongShan is a nearby park filled with flower gardens and beautifully preserved buildings. It contains ancient cypress trees, peonies, pavilions, archways, walkways, rock gardens and a large pond. The park was built in the honor of Sun Yat-sen (in 1928), who is considered by many as the "Father of modern China."
A word on public parks in China which seem to be quite busy. We found them to be meeting places, especially for retirees. During daylight hours there can be ballroom dancing with or without music, tai chi, sword and fan dancing. In another corner of the park there can be an impromptu band playing traditional music with traditional instruments. While across the way there will be an individual striking up a tune while a group practice a choral rendering of an old favorite. A little further down the path is a group of traditional dancers moving to music emanating from an old boombox. There are, of course, solo activities, such as kite-flying, calligraphy writing, and a variety of exercises with or without equipment. And the best solo activity of all - people watching and/or snoozing.
We are looking forward to experiencing many more parks as we meander through other cities and provinces. Chinese people seem to have a special love for parks.
