This short post does not focus on a single park, rather some intriguing activities and encounters one might find at the typical Chinese park.

In one quiet spot at a park in Chengdu, I heard a kind of constant, low, droning noise. At first, I thought it was coming from a musical instrument – musical performances of all sorts are common at parks, of course. But as I approached the whirring sound, I noticed several men playing with a spinning toy (possibly a form of Chinese yo-yo). Each man who was playing with this kind of toy seemed to be using it differently. One guy would spin it up and release it onto the ground to let it spin on its own. Another guy would spin it up to launch it, and then catch it before it hit the ground. And lastly, one guy would keep it on the string, spinning it around himself in smaller rotations, like a planet orbiting a sun.

Live music is pretty common at the park. But usually, I find it is a single performer or a small group performing, with some kind of digital streaming component. On one occasion, at a “People’s Park” no less, I came across a band doing live “patriotic” (for lack of a better term) music. It drew a crowd, and much of the audience were participating in the performance as well. Seemed like everyone knew the lyrics. I could barely hear the instruments being played.

Some activities are much more reminiscent of what one might see at a local American park, wherever there are Chinese communities (such as near any Chinatown). In just about any park, you will find the usual dancing (mostly by women) to cultural music. Despite the ubiquity, I always enjoy seeing the coordination between the dancers.

Another entertaining sight, in a very different way, are the “dating markets”. At these places, local singles looking for partners can advertise themselves to visitors with pieces of paper describing their features and background. Just like on any dating app. Sometimes they include pictures, but they are usually just written descriptions. I was a little surprised by how few of the profiles have photos on them. Often times, parents will create their child’s “profile” to try to seek out a suitable partner for them.

Typical information on the paper profiles includes information like age, height, single/divorced, family background, career and education, contact info, etc. Profiles are divided into men’s and women’s.

In colder regions during winter, there are the typical on-the-ice activities. Parks with frozen ponds and lakes provide great spaces for ice skating, sledding. I got to try chair sledding: 10 RMB gets you 30 minutes. It is pretty easy and fun.

I also noticed another kind of Chinese yo-yo activity, on the ice, that involved whipping a spinning toy to keep it going (instead of manipulating the toy with a string). Less of a soothing experience on the ears.

But if someone really needs to sit and relax, I’d gently recommend Chengdu and its parks. It isn’t completely warm all year round, but it won’t be freezing. And the tea should help with staying warm. I have yet to visit places like Hainan or Guangdong.

Of course, you will always find plenty of markets with things to buy, tea houses to relax, and little rides you can try.