The Beijing Park Festival kicked off on Thursday, which means that now is the best time to tour around the historical gardens across Beijing. From now till September 30th, park visitors will have a hard time choosing from all the activities going on, since there are over hundred of them on the schedule.

Among the huge cultural reserves China possess, the myriad of royal gardens situated within the capital are one of the best representations of the nation's historical glory.

A selection of 10 royal parks are highlighted in this year's Park Festival with the main theme being "A Journey to the Famed Historical Sites." There will be a traditional lantern fair at the Old Summer Palace, sweet osmanthus blossom at the Summer Palace, butterfly watching at Jingshan Park next to the Forbidden City, and many more. These activities merely add to the enormous pleasure of touring into the distant past at these ancient heritage sites.

For those who would rather not spend a full day inside a museum, a grand performance of Chinese classical music at the Temple of Heaven, and the 1911 Revolution exhibition at Zhongshan Park are good alternatives, providing a unique encounter with Chinese culture.

Another option is to join Beijingers in their daily gymnastic exercises and ball games in one of the public parks, for a taste of local life here in the city.

vivi笔记：

Beijing Park Festival：北京公园节
historical gardens：古典园林
royal gardens：皇家园林
lantern fair：灯市
Old Summer Palace：圆明园遗址
Summer Palace：颐和园
Forbidden City：紫禁城，故宫
ancient heritage sites：古文物遗址
Temple of Heaven：天坛
1911 Revolution：辛亥革命

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