Cool evening relief from summer's relentlessly hot days has prompted a shift in Beijing's entertainment scene.

Many parks and gardens have extended their opening hours late into the evening to take advantage of the lower temperatures. Some public squares have been transformed into beer-drinking, music-fuelled party places.

Night party in zoo

Beijing Zoo has for the first time opened to visitors at night. The move, which has aroused controversy among animal protection groups, has been defended by the zoo's bosses.

They have prepared a package of activities for visitors to enjoy weekend nights with the animals.

Some of the 1,700 animals housed in the zoo will perform outside their cages.

Visitors can spend between 200 (US$25) and 300 yuan (US$36) to watch performances, enjoy the night view along the Kunyu River on yachts and sample a buffet.

Monkeys, chimpanzees and snakes are amongst the animals being paraded for visitors to touch and photograph.

They'll also be invited to take a look at the nocturnal activities of tigers, lions and bears.

The zoo's deputy head Qian Jinchao has assured animal rights protesters that such activities won't harm the performing stars.

According to Qian, the animals being presented to visitors are all nocturnal.

The night visits will be available between 2pm and 9:30pm every Friday and Saturday until October 1.

Visitors spending 200 yuan (US$25) can take the so-called royal cruise along the Kunyu River from Beijing Zoo to Zizhuyuan Garden, sample a buffet and see the animals. Those forking out 300 yuan (US$36) can enjoy a sumptuous banquet.

For children lower than 1.2 metres, entrance is 60 yuan (US$7.5).

Tel: 6835-27656831-4411-528

Kunyu River trip

Night trips began from late July for tourists to enjoy the night scenery and escape the hot summer.

The boats are sculled by 20 Miao and Tong girls from Southwest China's Guizhou Province.

They can all dance, play local music and musical instruments.

Visitors Can also enjoy different snacks of the Miao and Tong people.

These aged between 17 and 18 are dubbed the "cultural diplomats" of their people. If you have an interest in their hometown people's life and history, they enjoy sharing details.

There are two routes, one is eight kilometres from the back lake of Beijing Exhibition Hall to Kunming Lake of the Summer Palace. It takes about 40 minutes. Several stops, including the National Library, Ziyu Bend, Longevity Temple and Long-river Bend lie along the route.

The other route is 10 kms, starting from Bayi Lake in Yuyuantan Garden, along the section (Kunming Lake-Yuyuantan) which was a part of the drinking channel from Beijing City to Miyun County.

The night boat trip starts from Baiyu Park in Xicheng District to Muxidi Overpass in Chang'an Avenue.

Visitors will spend about 90 minutes on the round trip while enjoying performances, snacks and the scenery along the way.

Boats ply the route from 6:30 pm to 10 pm.

The price ranges form 80 yuan (US$9.2) to 150 yuan (US$18) each person, according to your consumption on the boat.

Tel: 6852-9428, 6852-9429

Houhai boat tour

Located near the centre of the city, Houhai and Shichahai also offer boat trips at night.

Decorated with red lanterns and bamboo roofs, the boats take visitors to view the quiet "heart" of the city, once the exclusive beach front property of China's Qing Dynasty royalty, who alone could own and maintain houses here.

It is pleasant to enjoy the cool breeze accompanied by melodious traditional er hu music and snacks.

Time: 6:30pm to 10:30pm.

Price ranges from 40 yuan (US$5) to 100 yuan (US$12)

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