As simple as a walk in the park

Parks are private

Huang believes that parks are private and solitary spaces. She considers herself an introverted person, and parks undoubtedly serve as the perfect recharging spot for introverts. She often spends time alone in parks, free from worrying about social interactions.

"One can fully engage his or her senses and experience the growth of plants, the warmth of the sunlight, the gentle touch of breeze, and the energy of nature. These moments are very romantic. It's a time to completely be with oneself," she said. "In parks, one can be alone while being among the crowd."

According to Huang, the choice of park is also a matter of personal preference. "If you want to experience a lively atmosphere, you can visit a downtown urban park. If you seek tranquillity, then a park in the countryside is ideal," she said. "The time, the season, and the mood with which you visit the park can all lead to different scenery and experiences. The process of exploring parks is also a journey of self-discovery."

Liu Xi, from Guangzhou, Guangdong province, is also fascinated by the peace and the sense of time slowing down that occur in parks.

As an art curator and stage designer, Liu launched the "In the Park" project in early 2020, inviting submissions of artworks inspired by parks. She aimed for these works to depict parks from a third-person perspective, simply observing the people and events taking place in parks, rather than orchestrating staged scenes. The project sought to showcase genuine moments captured within parks, excluding posed or selfie images.

Over the past three years, "In the Park" has received over 6,000 submissions, with more than 3,000 of these artworks displayed on social media platforms, representing nearly 1,000 parks from various corners around the world.