When I look back on my time in Beijing, some of my strongest memories are of the parks. If we were waiting for a table at a restaurant, my sister and I would often walk to a nearby park and play on the equipment. Interestingly, the equipment was not always slides or climbing structures. Much of it was exercise equipment. There were metal machines designed to work your arms, legs, or provide cardio on gliding machines similar to ellipticals.
Parks in Beijing are heavily used, especially by the elderly. Since multigenerational housing is common and apartments are often small, I think people really value the opportunity to get outside. On any given day, older adults can be found ballroom dancing to a Bluetooth speaker or practicing tai chi in the park. It could be hot or cold—they will still be there. Staying active is clearly part of the culture, and the health benefits are significant.
Back in the United States, I rarely saw elderly people at parks unless they were accompanying children. In a way, that feels a little sad to me. I remember how happy everyone seemed in the parks in China, and I have to admit that I wish this kind of park culture were more common in the US as well.
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