In a nearby tent, a so-called "Meet China" Black Box Project featured a 3D 360 degree light show that took people on a virtual tour of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

Dressed in yellow tai chi clothing, Jean Carlier is a student at the School of Gratitude for Tai chi. Fifteen students, most senior citizens like Carlier, performed on Wednesday afternoon, drawing many passers-by.

Carlier said he has studied Chinese martial arts for two years at the school. "It's the most important discovery in my life," he said of tai chi. "I cannot pass one day without doing it."

"I am not happy if I do not do it for a day. I need to do it for the body and the mind," he said, adding that he has also started to learn the Chinese language.