Dalian at Dusk: Park Life

Once the weather gets warm, Dalian citizens like to be in the 'great outdoors'. Of course, if you're from the west, it's not the outdoors you're thinking about; you know, the trees, lakes, rivers, streams, forests, etc.

But in urban Dalian, hitting the great outdoors means going to the public squares and parks at dusk after dinner, usually after 6:30PM. This may not sound like fun to the foreigner, but on my ongoing theme about what Chinese are interested in, I thought I'd highlight this important aspect of Chinese family life.

Strange sights abound when you walk in the squares and parks at dusk. Some people are already in their pajamas on a stroll. Others are taking their toddlers for a walk or walking their dogs. Others sit and chat on park benches or picnic tables an others play card games with up to 4-5 decks of cards. Sometimes you'll see lovers making out on the benches

The younger generations or more athletic older people kick shuttlecocks AKA jian zi 键子, play badminton (without a net, of course), kick a football on the pavement (no one plays football on grass in the parks), ballroom dance, practise tai chi or even use the strange looking exercise equipment provided in the park.



Kicking the jian zi.


Doesn't seem like much fun without a net, but the locals enjoy badminton in the park.




Ballroom dancing at the park; many couples dress up for the occasion.

I really enjoy seeing the community atmosphere in the parks and squares. It's probably be one of the very few aspects of communism that I like. I didn't really notice this much outdoor activity in southern Chinese cities as much during my travels (perhaps it's too damned hot in the summer?) but I think Canadians and other westerners could learn a few things about socialising outdoors like Dalian people do. Instead of sitting around in front of the TVs or computers in our houses we should all head out for an after-dinner stroll or meet up with some friends in the park, it's all for good physical and mental health and happiness.






Above mentioned strange exercise equipment found in many public parks