A walk in the park
Updated: 2012-09-02 08:01
(China Daily)
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In Beijing, the parks are always abuzz with activities at any time of the day, in all seasons - well, almost. There are currently about 350 parks covering nearly 11,000 hectares in total. The capital adds about 20 new parks a year. Many of the most famous parks were originally royal or private gardens, which over time have developed into public green city spaces. The first known public park in Beijing, Wansheng Garden opened in 1906 and is now the site of Beijing Zoo. They are particularly popular with the elderly, who use them for morning exercise and social activities. To see the videos, go to www.chinadaily.com.cn/video.
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A man dances to traditional Chinese songs in the Temple of Heaven Park. The Temple, first built in 1420, used to be the imperial sacrificial altar during the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Photos by D J Clark / China Daily |
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The small terrace on the hill of the Jingshan Park overlooks the Forbidden City. A man dresses up in an imperial robe for a photoshoot. |
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Two women play the hulusi, a traditional Chinese wind instrument, in Taoranting Park, home to numerous pavilions that mimic styles from all over China. |
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The Zizhu Park is a classically landscaped Chinese garden and is filled with blooming lotus this season. |
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Sun Wenxia, 74, exercises in the Temple of Heaven Park. |
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A man uses a large paint brush to write Chinese poems with water on the floor in Taoranting Park. This is a common scene at most parks in Beijing. |
(China Daily 09/02/2012 page6)