E is for Exercise

Here in Shanghai, there are few people who run in the streets for exercise. The high level of pollution and the crowded sidewalks make that endeavor nearly impossible. People here get their exercise in a different way (this is not to say that there aren't a great number of residents who are diligently getting on their treadmills on a weekly basis- it's just not Stanley Park after work-like).

Here the people seem to do their work outs in the parks. You can see people in the city parks in the early morning hours practicing their Tai Chi. They also do circuits around the parks, sometimes while walking backwards and striking their arms across their chests (thumping themselves). Late at night, someone brings a stereo, and ball room dancing erupts from the very same parks that hosted the early morning exercises, as well as the afternoon card and mah jong games.

(thanks to LKB for the suggestion for this post)