Meaning ‘Altar of the Sun’, Rìtán (pronounced 'rer-tan') is a real oasis in the heart of Běijīng's business district. Dating back to 1530 and one of a set of imperial parks which covered each compass point – others include the Temple of Heaven and Temple of Earth (Dìtán Park) – the altar is now little more than a raised platform. But the surrounding park is beautifully landscaped and a great place to tune out from the surrounding mayhem.
Activities include dancing, singing, kite flying, rock-climbing (¥25 per hour or ¥60 per day), table tennis and pond fishing (¥5 per hour). Otherwise, just stroll around and enjoy the flora, or head to one of the park’s cafes; the standout one is Stone Boat , located by a large pond artfully strewn with rocks.
