Beijing parks are delightful and are used delightfully. We have great parks in the United States, but here in Beijing, I’ve witnessed a whole different level of park culture.
In Beijing, parks are for group activities like ballroom dancing and martial arts. It’s also a place for friends to hang out and play games and for people to pursue their hobbies, be it singing, or Chinese calligraphy. As my pastor would say, it’s a great place to “bond without buying,” (hang out without spending money).
Ritan Park (where these photos were taken) was originally built for members of the Imperial court. Come to think of it, I think many of Beijing’s best parks were once exclusively used by royalty. They are wonderfully democratic places now.
Quotes from my pals:
Mr. G: “Beijing parks are one of the happy surprises of moving here. They are a combination living room and backyard for most Beijingers.”
Wes: It’s almost like privacy is not the same thing here because people live in such close proximity. [says the man who would never enjoy singing in public].
Mrs. G: “They are the happenin’ spot.” [she makes sure to note that she is saying “happenin'” not “happening” because she is cool like that.]