Welcome to The Beijing Report's Digital Introduction to Ritan Park (Ritan GongYuan) and the Altar of the Sun.
Ritan Park is the unlikely home of one of the more popular and "groovier" Bars in Beijing. Th Cozy Stone Boat Cafe' located along the coastline of the largest lake inside the Park offers a variety ofstiff drinks for those in need or crave. The obvious feature of the Cafe' is a copy of the Stone Boat of the Summer Palace and Park. Although smaller than Cixi's boat, or just because of this fact - late Empress-Dowager Cixi may have been proud of the Place. Apart from some quality murals and the like, it even has a small loft area. Complete in Tune with the Business Community in the Chaoyang
District, the Cafe' offers its clientele plug-ins for immediate internet access. New airports have even been introduced. Have a Beer, Iced Tea, coffee, while enjoying the garden landscape outside or surf
the internet. Apart fom the various drinks the little restaurant offers a surprising breakfast, lunches as well as diners. Mind you, there is only a small kitchen so the menu is limited ! Regardless there is a sublime baked salmon pie or beef tenderloin available.
The Altar of the Sun, originally known as the Altar of the Rising Sun. The altar is located sacrifices to the God of the Sun. The altar is located in Beijing' s diplomatic quarter to the northern of Chaoyangmen (Facing the Sun) Gate. A square marble platform once stood in the garden; its ruins remain. In 1949, the people' s government turned the area into Ritan Park.
In the fall of 1980, construction of a large garden was begun in the southeastern corner of the park. This garden is called "The Curving Pond and the Roses Which Surpass Springtime" (Quchi Shengchun). The garden occupies a full hectare of land with a pond in the center.
Next to the pond are three tall snow pines and to the east, peach and persimmon trees. A landscaped flower garden stands to the west. In addition, at the foot of the little hill to the east is a trio of graceful magnolias.
