Ritan Park

Following on from the Jianguomen diplomatic area and close by to some excellent Beijing hotels lays Ritan Park. This is a lovely spot for everybody and anybody who is going to travel to Beijing. What's more, this park is free, so suits anyone who wants to combine some historical sightseeing with a few leisurely pursuits. Only in the 1950s did Ritan Park form; because before, that it was the sacred site for the Temple of the Sun which was built in 1530. The benefit of the park being free to enter provides the added bonus of being able to observe sights which under most circumstances you would pay to view. Despite most of the historical sites in the park not in their original states, they are nevertheless intriguing. Moreover, here's a tip, if you don't feel like paying the entrance fee to the renowned Temple of Heaven, but want to experience ancient holy sites in Beijing, then a trip the Ritan park is always another option. Amongst the most notably relics include; the mural on ritual sacrifices to the sun and the circular mound altar. The red colouring of the walls around the relics clearly highlights that the purpose of the temple was for sun worship. Consequently, due to the historical importance of the place, in 2006, the government designated the park as a State Protected Historic Site. Equally, another significant historical site is the burial place of Ma Jun, a revolutionary deemed a martyr. Before entering this very tranquil section of the park through a portal-shaped arch, you will have the pleasure of listening to a recording (from a tree-stump like speaker) in both Chinese and English. Through the arch is a rose-looking garden called the 'senior citizen's activity area' with the tomb, memorial and exhibition hall of Ma Jun situated behind. The park is, nonetheless, a popular place in which many foreigners frequent and is full of modern activities for all the family to enjoy. Indeed, the park attracts many locals with its outdoor gym, table tennis and impressive climbing walls. The wall itself is an excellent attraction in which to partake regardless of your climbing ability; or, if preferred, to watch others attempt to courageous scale the great height. The cost of climbing for day is 30RMB and one climbs totals 10RMB which sounds like a fair price. Other exciting activities in the park are is the children's amusement fairground for those who don't mind spinning around, then there is water-zorbing at the spring garden! For a more laid-back approach, take a stroll down the south-western section of the park. Here you will find some idyllic waters surrounding by rockeries and sip on a drink on the stone boat on the lake. Pavilions, peonies and people are all plentiful in this most peaceful of parks. Anybody who is thinking of arranging or taking Beijing flights might want to take into account the splendid Ritan Park. from China Travel Blog http://blog.chinatraveldepot.com

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