Women explore their feral side at the Temple of Heaven Park. (CRI Online)

4000 ancient cypresses are laid out in tight rows that on one hand feel a bit claustrophobic, but on the other hand provide a sharp contrast with the spacious Danbei Bridge area where people stretch out on its expansive stone walkway.

Those looking to experience nature will have to look elsewhere. But despite Confucius's influences of order and symmetry, the park is far from manicured. Boxed in between the fences and corridors, there is a feeling of restlessness. The cypress trees may be trapped in rows, but their knotted gnarled branches battle for space, pushing in all directions.

Like other parks, you have dancers, musicians and men slamming down their cards in an effort to break the table. Mornings in the Temple of Heaven Park are particularly bright and bustling. Singsong, synchronized exercises and all sorts of wholesome activities fill the pockets of space.