Once the Imperial Gardens for the ruling class for almost a 1,000 years, Beihai Park is now a public park where Beijing residents spend relaxing hours away from the bustling city.

Peddle boats await the days visitors who will come Beihai Park to relax upon it's lake or stroll among its many shaded pathways and gardens.

A Beijing woman practices Cai Dai Wu Dao (ribbon dancing) in one of Beihai Park's many plazas.