Bayi Park (八一公园) is a traditional Chinese garden park in the Donghu district, named for the August 1st founding date and situated just a few minutes' walk from the memorial museum and square. The park includes a lake with rowing boats, rockery formations, covered walkways, and a lotus-viewing platform. It's a useful sanctuary from the heat and the political monumentalism of the surrounding area, and its classical garden design is representative of the southern Chinese garden tradition.
The park is popular with morning tai chi practitioners and evening strollers. Entry is free and it's open throughout the day. On weekends, older residents often gather to play chess, fly kites, or sing old-style songs in the covered pavilions.