BEIJING, China - The city has been plastered with Olympic decoration, from the Beijing 2008 flags that line the eight-lane highways, to the mascots that appear on billboards, shop fronts and as temporary tattoos on fans.

Beijing's Ritan Park offers a peaceful break from the Olympics-fever in China's capital.

While they'll all still be up until after the Paralympics, many of Beijing's parks have provided a break from the mass bombardment of Olympic decoration and branding.

Even though the Games are in their final throes, a visit to Ritan Park on Saturday morning revealed the side of Beijing life that outwardly couldn't give a hoot about the Olympics.

Only some strategically placed Fuwa in a shrubbery gave any hint that the Games were happening.

No one was even sure where the "protest zone" was in the park, as no one has protested there throughout the Games.

There was even a surprising absence of community security volunteers - locals keeping an eye out for anything amiss, easily identified by a red armband and a watchful eye. For all the visible and smiling Olympic volunteers, these other volunteers have been observing both locals and visitors alike.

The only hint of a protest be found was between some mahjong players, as the usual pursuits of tai chi and post-prandial strolls took place much like during any other sunny weekend.

Others made the most of the good weather by hitting the beach. It might be nearly 100 miles to the Yellow Sea, but Beijing's Tuanjiehu park attempts a bit of Bali, albeit with a fun slides and a wave machine.

Not quite Venice beach when it comes to beautiful bodies, it's a popular spot for Beijing families and a few expats beach bums, desperate for some sand between their toes.

If anyone had been inspired by Michael Phelps or one of China's myriad of diving medalists it wasn't showing. With the Games winding down, it's time to relax.