DK Travel : Beijing : Outdoor

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Opera singing

The Chinese are rarely inhibited by self-consciousness and behave in public as they would at home. Hence, parks are for singing. They gather in groups, taking it in turns to perform for each other; favored places for this are on the north shore of the lake at Bei Hai and in the Temple of Heaven park.
Qigong

Qigong combines breathing exercises, movement and meditation to positively channel body energy, or qi. Its adherents claim that regular practice can prevent illness and reduce stress.
Ri Tan Park

One of Beijing’s oldest parks, with an altar for imperial sacrifice (see Ri Tan Park).
Street dancing

Ballroom dancing is hugely popular with the elderly, but in Beijing it doesn’t take place in ballrooms but out on the street. On warm evenings, car parks and sidewalks are filled with dancers congregated around a boombox. At the Workers’ Stadium you can get up to four different groups on the forecourt in front of the north gate – choose your style: waltz, polka, foxtrot, or gavotte.
Tai chi

Looking to improve the flow of qi (life force) through their bodies, early each morning crowds of mostly elderly people gather in Beijing’s parks to indulge in mass movements of tai chi, or tai ji quan as it’s better known in China. Although the discipline has its origins in martial arts, for most folks it’s more about making sure that the joints don’t seize up.
Temple of Heaven Park

Historic structures and a vast expanse of well-tended gardens, including a rose garden (see Temple of Heaven).
Water calligraphy

Using a mop-like brush and a bowl of plain water, characters are painted on the sidewalk. Once dry, the characters disappear. It is supposed to exercise the mind and body. Tossing coins into the bowl will not be appreciated.
Xiang Shan Park

An hour’s drive northwest of the center but worth it for thickly wooded slopes dotted with pavilions (see Xiang Shan Park).
Yang Ge

Dancing accessorized with brightly-colored, silk fans (an art known as yang ge) is popular with middle-aged ladies. It incorporates stylized movements derived from folk dancing.
Zhong Shan Park

Just outside the walls of the Forbidden City, Zhong Shan offers a respite from the crowds (see Zhong Shan Park).