Kongzhu Spinning                                  Taking Caged Birds out

Another popular pastime is kongzhu (empty bamboo), which is 2,000 years old and gained prominence when it was featured at the Closing Ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Considered one of China's three major traditional toys, along with shuttlecocks and kites, kongzhu is a fun keep-fit activity.

Yan Qiusheng usually spends up to three hours each morning practicing kongzhu in Ditan Park. He says it exercises every part of the body and helps improve coordination, flexibility and strength, resulting in a nimble body, quick hands, sharp eyes and a sharp mind.

"While we older folk have always performed kongzhu tricks, young people have come up with their own modern styles," says Yan, who enjoys giving classes to enthusiasts. "The toy requires deft moves, so it usually appeals to people who are quick learners."

By Cheng Anqi

Editor: Wen Yi