Beijing's parks offer its residents important opportunities to escape the stresses of everyday city life, and escape into nature.

Over the years, the Chinese have gradually developed their very original art of gardening. The importance of harmony means that gardens take a very different form from those in the West.  Pagodas and rockeries are all placed and designed according to an established set of rules.

The "three friends of winter" (pine, bamboo and plum), represent, in Chinese eyes, the brotherhood that can survive throughout all bad situations. The serenity and beauty we feel when we see these fantastic gardens is thanks to the idiosyncrasies of Chinese gardening.

When people talk about Beijing, of course they mention the Summer Palace, the Temple of Heaven, and Beihai Park. They do, however, forget to mention the autumnal colours of Fragrant Hill, the flowers of the Fisherman of the Temple of the Reclining Buddha, as well as the cherry tree flowers in Yuyuantan Park that attract more and more people each year. The parks of Beijing aren't just a place to relax, but somewhere to discover more fascinating aspects of Chinese culture.

Beijingers like nature, and spending time in parks.  In the mornings, they go there to do communal sports like Tai Chi and Kungfu, practice ceremonial sword fighting, sing Beijing Opera, or simply to dance.  The Sun, Moon, Sky and Earth Temples, as well as Coal Hill Park are good places to watch Beijingers having relaxing and enjoying themselves in the city's parks.