Yuandadu Relics Park, a popular gay hangout in Haidian District.

A similar raid by gun-wielding SWAT police took place two or three months ago at the same place as part of what authorities dubbed a "prostitution crackdown," said Guo Ziyang from the Working Group of Gay's Movement of Beijing, an organization for gay rights.

The area remained busy Monday: on a hill with dense thickets, men were flirting with each other, chatting or standing alone. Used condoms and paper towels were visible.

"I have to say it's a place in disarray," said a 35-year-old gay man who used to be a frequent visitor.