Lanterns at twilight at the Temple of Heaven Park. (CRI Online)

But once the sun slinks beyond the cypress trees, a personality unique to the Temple of Heaven crawls out of the shadows.

The first sign is when the kites in the sky transform into twinkling LEDs surrounded by darkness. The second sign is men and women releasing guttural screams at the top of their lungs. This is apparently done for health reasons. Although it may help those individuals deal with their daily pressures, park visitors should take care not to get stressed upon hearing the ominous cries.

Some ghostly characters rhythmically stroll past while emitting the nasal sounds of Peking Opera, oblivious to the activities and individuals around them. Large groups of people may be seen intensely clapping their hands in unison for bizarrely long periods of time, echoing the words of the eminent leader. Casual observers are forewarned not to join in for fear of falling into a trance and repeating cryptic syllables of uncertain meaning.