The Purple Bamboo Park

One day Zachary and I went to the Purple Bamboo Park. Just about everybody I talk to tell me this is one of their favorite parks in Beijing.

According to the Beijing Guide, "It has three connected lakes with two islands, lotus flowers, small hills, streams, bridges, pavilions, rock gardens and about 50 varieties of bamboo. The Bamboo Park also features boating, play and exercise areas, teahouses and cafes, and a small crafts market." Additionally, "its location has a long history. The lakes here were created as reservoirs during the Yuan Dynasty. Later, a temple (WanShouSi, the Temple of Longevity) was added during the Ming Dynasty but that has long since disappeared; only two stone steles remain, and traces of a boat dock on the river edge."

Exciting, eh? It was pretty neat, unfortunately the air was so thick you could almost taste it.