Spending time in local parks is a huge part of Chinese culture. Since most people live stacked on top of one another in massive high-rise apartments, parks are the perfect place to get some fresh air, spend time with family and friends, and have some fun. Summer is in full swing, and parks all across the Middle Kingdom are teeming with activity. To really dive into the local culture when traveling in China, just find the parks in the area and spend a few hours wandering around. It’s a great way to get an insight into the local way of life, it’s usually free or just a few kuai, and it’s sure to be a good time.

Going for a boat ride is popular.

We’re here to help you be prepared for your day in the park (公园 – gōng yuán) with a bit of useful Chinese vocabulary. Here are 20 activities that are popular in parks across China:

Here are a few more pictures to show you what it’s like hanging out in local Chinese parks:

A jam session at the Green Lake Park in Kunming.

Swimming on a hot day in Beijing’s Tuanjiehu Park.

Group dance in the People’s Park of Chengdu.

Water calligraphy at Beijing’s Bei Hai Park.

Singing and dancing on a weekend in a local park.

Catching some z’s in the afternoon.

I loved going to the local parks so much when I lived in Beijing that I even put them on my countdown of my Top 10 places in the city. Check out that post and take a closer look at some of the capital’s many parks. If you’re more of a visual person, take a look at this video showing both Beihai and Houhai parks – a great way to spend a day in the city:

Have you ever been to a park in China? Which one? What were people doing there? Did you participate? Let us know in the comments!