By LI RUOJIA
Global Business Journalism reporter
Tsinghua University has been selected as the most beautiful campus in Asia – and one of 14 uniquely beautiful in the world – by Forbes magazine. Everywhere you walk, there is a refreshing nook, an inspiring angle, a colorful corner. Students, faculty and staff often live stressful lives, but the natural beauty of the campus helps bring balance to their lives.
Here are six of our favorite places to relax on campus so you, too, can take advantage of them if you need to get away from the pressures of daily life. Enjoy!
1. Zijing Playground 紫荆操场
Zijing playground is far and away the students’ favorite among the seven playgrounds on the Tsinghua campus. It used to be a football field, with one circle of 500 meters. Since it is located in the dormitory zone, students use it for exercise, to play board games and to sing or just chat after class. In the evening, you can sit peacefully to see the slow sunset.
2. The Hill of Love（Landscaped area at the North Yard）情人坡
The Hill of Love is an open area with attractive grassland just north of the center of the old campus. It’s really enjoyable to lie on the hill, bathing in the sunshine. It’s also a good choice to have a picnic with friends here in the middle of the day. This hill used to be a residential area called the North Yard. Famous Tsinghua scholars such as Liang Sicheng once lived in this area. You can guess how it earned its nickname.
3. The Li Wenzheng Library
Li Wenzheng Library is only about 300 meters from the Hill of Love. You can find almost any resources you need here, and you can immerse yourself in the sea of books. Sitting next to the bright French windows to read, occasionally looking up at the flowers outside and the passers-by, your fatigue will drift away.
4. Shui Mu Qing Hua 水木清华
Shui Mu Qing Hua pond is a remnant of the university's past as part of the imperial gardens. It has a feel of a landscape of an ancient palace from Yuanmingyuan park. Along the pond, weeping willows and ancient pavilions are surrounded by green hills and water lilies. Sitting on the bank, you will also be comforted by the leisure of your neighbors – two black swans.
5. The Geology Corner 地质之角
The Geology Corner is just a niche but is a very rewarding place! Next to the Department of Hydraulic Engineering, the corner is a gathering rocks and geological specimens donated by alumni. Since few people know about this corner, you can wander the kingdom of rocks in relative serenity, learning geology while enjoying the time alone.
6. The Tsinghua Sciences Building 科学馆
The Sciences Building is one of the oldest historical architectural buildings at Tsinghua, located in the middle of the original campus. Behind it, there is a peaceful outdoor space next to one of the campus canals. There's a nice patio with a table and chairs, surrounding by dogwoods and other flowering trees. There's a chalkboard if you feel obliged to do some work. You can sit here reading books, drinking coffee, and, if lucky, you can also hear masters delving into academic discussions.
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