Tiantan Park 天坛公园

Although Tiantan has no rides, it offers ample room to run around, throw a frisbee and get away from the crowds. The rose garden is worth a look when in season. And there's superior people-watching to be had in the covered galleries east of the Altar of Heaven. Get a kick out of visiting the park at dawn, when practitioners of arcane and mystifying forms of exercise come out in force. Combine a stroll through Tiantan with a visit to the Natural Science Museum. April-Oct: RMB 15 (main gate), RMB 35 (all access); Nov-March: RMB 10 (main gate), RMB 30 (all access).