The Temple of Heaven is not only a magnificent series of structures, but it is an amazing place to visit because at its heart is the heart of the Chinese people. In this place you can see and meet people and begin to understand what China is really about. These people are warm, friendly, and full of grace.
The environs of the Temple of Heaven contain areas where people meet on a daily basis and engage in exercise and games of all sorts. Of course, most of the people who meet and play in this open-air community center are older folks who are no longer working. They pay a minimal yearly fee and then have use of the park every day. Here are some of the sights:
Women exercising
Notice the “play equipment” is adult sized.
Women walking on pebbles
When we visit China, we make sure to take everyone for a foot massage. These women get their own massage as they walk in their light-soled shoes on pebbles cemented into the ground and protruding exactly enough to provide a therapeutic massage!
Ouch!
This woman made all of us think “ouch!”
Ribbon exercises
This was a particularly lovely sight. Many of the women get their exercise by waving ribbons in beautiful intricate patterns.
Fan dancing in the park
In addition to Tai Chi, there is fan dancing, sword dancing and lots of other group activities. Western style social dancing is also done with old American tunes being played on large amplifiers. Some people also come here to play cards, chess, and mahjong. Some of the women bring craft projects such as crocheting and knitting. Sometimes they sell their items to tourists.
Of course all should be done accompanied by music!
Musician in the park
Next time we’ll see some of the buildings in this large complex called “The Temple of Heaven.”
This makes exercise look fun! Music, color fans, a playground for people our size: my daughter would be jealous.
how fabulous! a playground for big folks
beautiful scenes
Fan dancing looks like such a fun way to exercise. It sure beats being on a treadmill. The one photo that is titled “Ouch” made me laugh. I would need a physical therapist after attempting that:) Thanks for sharing your fun day in the park with me.
This was fascinating. Thank you!
This is so very different from anything I’ve ever seen here in the States. We could certainly learn a thing or two from these folks in China! I love this park and the community gathered there.
I love the park too and I love the whole approach to life that the Chinese people have. After all they have been through, they remain optimistic and kind. We have a lot to learn from them. So much of China is eye-opening. It’s not at all what you might expect and the surprises are all wonderful. I remember on my first trip thinking of every day as a succession of surprise packages for me to open as we went from one fantastic spot to another for 17 days!
I love the way everyone really utilizes the park, no hesitation, no embarrassment. The exercise equipment in my local park is rarely used, it’s such a shame.
That ribbon photo is especially lovely, with all its bright colors.
what a wonderful idea
my summer stock photo can be seen here
This looks like a place even I would enjoy excersing in. Wish we had place like this.
Wow such great fun shots! I wish there was something like this here in my country. 🙂 Happy RT!
Here’s my entry.
How very interesting, and yes OUCH! I like the pebble foot massage!
My RT
Wow this is really cool exercise..very nice entries. My first entry is up.
Marvelous photos of this lovely spot for adults to exercise and connect with one another ;–)
Hugs and blessings,
Are they fan dancers
I see or flowers whirling,
twirling like rainbows?
My Ruby Tuesday