Ritan Park – the Temple of Sun – is one of the four royal shrines, and is the altar of the Sun. Built in 1530 it was used by Ming and Qing Emperors to make sacrifices to the gods. Ancient buildings there were devastated before 1949 and after that park was completely rebuilt. But now Ritan is one of Beijing’s more peaceful parks. Certainly not as impressive or lively as the Temple of Heaven, Ritan is one of the best spots to see old folk practice t’ai chi, swordplay or twirling napkins in the morning without hordes of tourists flooding the place. In the afternoon families come, people dance to tunes and play games.

But Chinese wouldn’t be Chinese, if they hadn’t built an amusement park for children, and some special fun is also fishing. Still, its a great place to walk around, observe or relax. Or even run a lap around the park.