Paruyr Sinyavsky and Maria Asatryan reporting from Beijing Beijing's Ritan Park is located in the central Chaoyang District of the Chinese capital. If this is your first time in the Celestial Empire, Armenian News-NEWS.am's advice is this: this park should be on your must-see list—and not just because the huge Yabaolu fair complex is located next to it.

Ritan is a rare place where China's ancient history harmoniously intertwines with the calm rhythm of modern urban life. Founded as Temple of the Sun in the 16th century, it was once a closed area where the emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties performed lavish rituals and sacrifices.

Today, only the majestic architecture remains from the former strictly sacred atmosphere: ancient stone sacrificial altars, traditional pavilions with carved roofs and shady alleys, along which anyone can stroll.

But the main charm of Ritan is hidden in its lively and warm atmosphere, which sharply distinguishes it from the glossy tourist attractions. In the morning, the park is filled with locals: elderly people enthusiastically engage in taijiquan, write calligraphic hieroglyphs directly on the asphalt with water, or practice singing.

A little later, office workers from the neighboring business center come here to have a picnic by the lotus pond, feed the goldfish, or simply breathe fresh air in the shade of centuries-old cypresses.

Despite its historical heritage, Ritan remains an extremely comfortable place to relax right in the heart of the metropolis. Here it is pleasant to hide from the summer heat, drink a cup of tea in a traditional pavilion, or take a walk in the fall, when the foliage of the trees is painted in bright golden and dark red shades.

This is an ideal place on the map of Beijing for all those who want to slow down, escape the hustle and bustle of skyscrapers, and feel the true, unhurried spirit of the capital of the Celestial Empire.

Paruyr Sinyavsky, Maria Asatryan from Beijing