Imagine starting off your day by doing yoga out on an open terrace in the park with a group of friends by your side. In front of you is a pool of blooming lotus flowers and all you hear are the relaxing sounds of nature: birds chirping, leaves rustling, fountains splashing.
It's hard to believe this is possible in big cities like Beijing or Shanghai, but it's actually incredibly popular among China's metropolitan population.
"I had my first try at outdoor yoga about a year ago. But plenty more trips have been organized this year, so we've been able to explore many interesting places thanks to yoga," said Vivian Ding, a senior financial consultant in Beijing.
Vivian Ding practices yoga with friends at Jingshan Park in Beijing, China, July 26, 2020. /Vivian Ding
Even though she has been practicing traditional forms of yoga for almost three years, the 29-year-old said she's become addicted to outdoor yoga as the feeling is more real and more aligned with the discipline's essence.
"When practicing yoga outdoors, you have this incredible feeling that you are connecting with nature," said Ding. "The open natural scene makes it more 'real' compared to doing yoga in a studio. You feel you are embracing nature's energy."
The yoga instructors also share this belief.
"When I first brought up the idea of doing outdoor yoga, many of my trainees were really curious," said Zhao, a senior yoga teacher with Yoga Yard Beijing.
Zhao leads a group of trainees to practice yoga at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, China, July 19, 2020. /Xiaojing
She began to lead outdoor yoga practices about four years ago as she believes it is important to connect with nature and get away from all the stress and anxiety of living in a bustling city.
"It's unique to touch nature that way. It's definitely an experience you can't have normally in the concrete jungles we live in – feelings of openness and intimacy with nature."
There are already about 10 yoga teachers holding similar classes on a regular basis in Beijing only to her knowledge.
"I love to explore new places for our weekly yoga practices in the summer," she said as she believes new places always create new experiences. "That's what nature is about. You can't anticipate or plan many things. And I think that's also what made outdoor yoga so much fun."
Zhao gives outdoor yoga class by the lotus flowers pond at the Old Summer Palace in Beijing, China. /Xiaojing
Before making a trip, Zhao goes and makes sure the spot is suitable for yoga. She prefers wide open spots that are relatively high open space with a pond or running water.
"I'm not really like other instructors who like to organize multiple events in the same park or area. I love to explore new places and find places that intrigue me," she said. "We've been to, for instance, the Summer Place, the Old Summer Palace, Temple of Heaven, and many others."
According to Zhao, outdoor yoga does have its limitations and she advises against doing it too regularly.
Zhao practices yoga with friends amid an ocean of clouds in Yunnan Province, China, July 31, 2020. /Zhao
"Natural surroundings can be a little distracting when practicing yoga. The weather has to be right, and beginners can find it hard to focus on their basic positions," she said.
But anyone who loves the serenity of nature and wants to use it to awaken their inner-peace should at least try it as it can be very effective.
"We live in a fast-paced, modern society and don't get to enjoy intimacy with nature a lot," said Ding. "Outdoor yoga really enables me to get close with nature and balance my mind, be more accepting and more peaceful."
"So when I get back to work, or my life in general, I feel refreshed and revitalized."
Writer: Niu Yuan
International editors: Josh McNally and Justina Crabtree
Videographer and editor: Niu Yuan