🌺Exploring Shanghai’s Parks🌸

Does your next travel plan include the visit of a local park? No? Well, you might want to reconsider in case you're planning to travel to China because visiting parks is probably the best way to learn how locals spend their free time. People of all ages gather in the park on weekends to enjoy their hobbies in public and thus turning the parks around the city into a colorful circus.

Don't be surprised when you hear music playing from an old-fashioned radio while senior citizens, sometimes dressed in fancy clothing, dance away in the middle of an open space, or when you bump into a spontaneous jazz session, with a whole orchestra jamming away on their instruments.

If you're lucky, people might invite you to try their interesting hobbies. Don't be shy and don't worry about the language barrier. In this happy environment a park on the weekend is, a smile is enough to say it all.

Learn more about two of Shanghai's numerous parks below.

Fuxing Park

Address: Middle Fuxing Road 516, about 10 minutes from Xintiandi subway station, Exit 5

Opening hours: 6:00 - 18:00

Entrance fee: none

Recommended season to visit: May to October

It's hard to believe you're in the city center of megalopolis Shanghai when you're strolling through Fuxing park. The park can be conveniently accessed on foot from Xintiandi subway station but once you're inside this peaceful retreat, the only thing that reminds you of the city are the skyscrapers that show their heads from above the trees.

When re-opened by the French Concession in 1909, a number of French elements were added, which makes it one of Shanghai's most unique parks. Spread on an area of about 10 hectares, visitors will find a variety of beautifully tended gardens, broad grass fields perfect for having a picnic with friends and family, the Marx and Engels statue, that was built in 1985 to commemorate the 90th anniversary of Engels' passing and of course enough benches to rest while watching citizens pursuing their hobbies.

Luxun Park

Address: East Jiangwan Road 146, about 3 minutes from Hongkou Soccer Stadium Subway

station, Exit 1

Opening hours: depending on the season but generally open 6:00 - 18:00

Entrance fee: none

Recommended season to visit: Spring and Autumn

Located in the northern part of Shanghai city - called Hongkou - this park has had many names after being built by a British garden designer in the late 1890s. Today it is named after Lu Xun, who was a leading figure of modern Chinese literature, and who is said to have regularly visited this park until his death in 1936. The park now holds the tomb, a museum as well as a statue in commemoration of the great writer.

It was one of Shanghai's first comprehensive sports parks and the very place where the second and fifth Far Eastern Championship Games were held. Although most of the sports facilities have gone by now, locals still use the park's open spaces and grass fields for sport activities. Want to try Tai Chi? This is the place to go.

After strolling through the park, visitor can stop for some delicious tea at the Te Li Ming Tea House or jump on a boat on the lake located in the middle and enjoy the deep green of the trees from a different angle.

◆ Gucun Park

Address: Hutai Road 4788, about 3 minutes from Gucun Park subway

station, Exit 3

Opening hours: 5:00 – 20:00

Entrance fee: 20RMB (adults), no charge for children below 1.3m

Recommended season to visit: all year round

Gucun Park surely is a must visit spot if you plan to travel to Shanghai in spring. It is home to over 10,000 cherry blossom trees which paint the environment in a light pink and if you’re lucky you might be able to participate in the yearly cherry blossom festival, which is held from mid-March to mid-April.

Opening its doors in 2007 and lying on the outskirts of the city, this park is boasting a total area of about 424.7 hectares and – unlike the other two parks we’ve introduced – is a park built in order to have Shanghai’s residents enjoy nature without having to leave the city. Visit one of the various gardens of Gucun Park, for example the 12 hectares Forest Roaming Garden, and you will immediately forget that you are only a few subway stops from downtown Shanghai.

Besides beautiful gardens, Gucun Park is also home to “Dinosaur World” and “Children’s Forest Carnival”, which hosts 13 recreational facilities for young guests, including a merry-go-round, theatres and more.