Temple of Heaven

This is my favorite place in Beijing. Gorgeous temple -- but mostly, an amazing people's park that, even more than the neighborhood tour and visit to a house later in the day, felt like a glimpse into the more joyous part of everyday life here.

As we walked in, people were waltzing. Edward, of course, joined in.



A bit further in, several bands. They were playing a haunting Chinese melody when we approached -- but switched to Jingle Bells in our honor.



And further along, there was a group of at least 150 people gathered, with sheet music, in a singalong with full orchestra.



and multiple versions of tai chi, with rackets and swords and a ring toss around the recipient's neck, and ribbon dancing, and card games, and an odd sort of feathered cross between hacky-sack and badminton that of course the kids had to try...

A Temple of Heaven, indeed.