In China it has long been a Spring tradition to 踏青 tàqīng, meaning to get outside and enjoy nature. While a city like Beijing may not seem at first glance to be filled with nature, there are actually plenty of fun and interesting ways to 踏青.

<span style="font-size: large;"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-3585" title="culturalchina33e74a769042d862a646-300x225" src="http://ltl-chinois.fr/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/culturalchina33e74a769042d862a646-300x225.jpg" alt="Taoranting Park" width="300" height="225" />Taoranting Park</span>

陶然亭公园 Táorántíng Gōngyuán is named for the main pavilion in the park, which was built during the Qing Dynasty. There are dozens of beautiful pavilions and gardens to explore, which is one of the reasons artists and writers have loved to gather here for hundreds of years. To get there, take the Subway Line 4 to Taoranting Station.

<span style="font-size: large;">Cycle the city</span>

Beijing is a very bicycle-friendly city, with designated bike lanes on most major roads and a general friendliness towards riders within smaller neighborhoods. A great area to explore on a bike is 鼓楼 Gǔlóu (Drum Tower) because there is an interesting balance of courtyard homes alongside small shops and cafes.

<span style="font-size: large;"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-3586" title="image0022-300x224" src="http://ltl-chinois.fr/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/image0022-300x224.jpg" alt="Happy Valley" width="300" height="224" />Happy Valley</span>

北京欢乐谷 Běijīng huānlè gǔ (Happy Valley Beijing) is an amusement park located along the Southeast 4<sup>th</sup> Ring Road. Impossible to miss as you approach, Happy Valley is comprised of several themed areas with the highlight being the lost city of Atlantis. It is part water park, so be sure to bring a swimsuit or change of clothes. To get there from LTL, you can get on the #30 bus at 八王坟北 and get off at 厚俸桥.