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A city landmark, Chaoyang Park is Beijing's biggest green space around and has been a public favorite for 25 years. Its verdant expanse and big lake are perfect for weekend wanderers.

If you feel in a watery mood, check outTuanjiehu Park. It is Beijing's most hygiene-conscious water park. Go for a wonderful hike among the small hills, tall trees and quaint stone bridges. Weekend boating at 30-40 yuan per hour, with a deposit of 50-100 yuan.

If you like to play with sounds, visitThe Temple of Heaven, one of Beijing's best-preserved cultural relics. This is where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1364-1911) offered payers for a good harvest. A special feature of the temple is the round wall around the Imperial Vault of Heaven, called Echo Wall. If you put your ear close to the wall, you can hear even a mere whisper at any point close to the wall, that sounds as clear as talking on the phone.

Also try the Triple-Sound Stone, in front of the Imperial Vault of Heaven. If you shout out loud while standing on the first stone, the sound will echo once, but if you stand on the second stone, you can hear your voice twice, and from the third stone, the sound will repeat three times.

If you want to explore something in the western part of town head toYuyuantan Park, located in Haidian district. This area used to be an imperial fishing spot. Don't miss the cherry blossom garden, a favorite with visitors as is evident from the admission fee that goes up from 2 yuan usually to 10 yuan at this time of the year. You can see thousands of visitors sitting at the pavilions by the water, chatting or listening to the singing of the birds, while sipping a cup of tea.

For an older park experience,Ritan Parklocated near the Central Business District, makes a good choice. This was where the emperors offered sacrifices to the Sun. There are many restaurants and bars around Ritan Park. With the birds singing and flowers blooming, prepare to put a spring in your step with a walk in a park.

By Cheng Anqi and Gan Tian

Edited by Zhang Xinjie