Summer's a comin' ! Time to let the kids run free at some of Shanghai's most popular parks. Here's our pick of the best.
Parks in the former French Concession
Visit any park in the former French Concession and you will have a glimpse into daily Chinese life. Take a stroll and immerse yourself in the activities around you including dancing, karaoke, badminton, roller-blading, tai chi and qi gong just to name a few.
Fuxing Park
Fuxing Park is centrally located and after recent renovations has a maze of ivy-colored archways. Kids will love the wide open space smack bang in the middle of Xintiandi. Perfect for letting them run wild after a spot of shopping.
Cost: Free entry
Transportation: Xintiandi Metro Station
See listing for Fuxing Park here.
Xuhui Park
Take a walk along the river whilst taking in the city scenes at Xuhui Park. Whilst this isn't a typical park, we recommend it for a jog or a long walk. Instead of dancing or tai-chi you'll see skateboarders or people playing basketball. Xuhui is a great place to walk your dog, something some parks forbid.
Open: 24/7
Cost: Free entry
Transportation: Xujiahui Metro Station
See listing for Xuhui Park here.
Xiangyang Park
Conveniently located off Huaihai Lu, Xiangyang Park is a great place for some peace and quiet after a shopping trip. Sit under the trees with a cold drink watching groups dance and sing together.
Open: 24/7
Cost: Free entry
Transportation: 5 min walk from Shanxi Metro Station (S)
See listing for Xiangyang Park here.
Best of the rest...
Zhongshan Park
A lake and a bicycle ‘sky rail’ over lotus ponds make Zhongshan Park a family favorite. Kids can jump on one of the amusement rides and join in with kite flyers making the most of the green space. There are various gardens for the parents to explore and plenty of shady spots for a picnic.
Open: Daily 5am-7pm (summer), 6am-6pm (winter)
Cost: Free entry
Transportation: Zhongshan Lu Metro Station
See listing for Zhongshan Park here.
Luxun Park
Luxun Park is one of the most bustling parks in Shanghai. Many Chinese come here to practice ballroom dancing, tai chi or if you’re lucky you might catch someone putting on a free opera performance. One of the oldest parks in the city, it has some lush vegetation and plantlife. For another dose of culture, leave the park and take a short walk to Duolun Lu, a pedestrianized boulevard filled with trinket sellers, antique shops and cafes.
Open: 6am-6pm
Cost: Free entry
Transportation: Hongkou Football Stadium Metro Station
See listing for Luxun Park here.
Changfeng Park
Changfeng Park will be a sure hit with the kids. With boating on the lake, go-karting and a huge man-made hill, it's also home to the Ocean World Aquarium. Relax and set up a picnic in the shady areas or join in with the kite flying or badminton playing.
Open: 5am-7pm daily
Cost: Free entry (some facility need to be purchased)
Transportation: Jinshajiang Road Metro Station
See listing for Changfeng Park here.
Shanghai Botanical Gardens
A glorious place to visit in spring and summer when flowers are in bloom. You'll find a wide range of green expanses plus jungle and desert greenhouses, waterways and magnolia-lined avenues at the Shanghai Botanical Gardens. There's also an outstanding garden dedicated to the arts of penjing, better known under the Japanese name bonsai. Kids will love the amusement zone and don't forget to keep an eye out for the wildlife. you'll see bees and birds suckle blossoms and fish swimming in ponds.
Open: 7:30am-5pm daily
Cost: RMB 40, kids under 6 free
Transportation: Shanghai South Metro Station
See listing for Shanghai Botanical Gardens here.
Century Park
Endless amounts of green space make Century Park the ideal place to go for a picnic or a wander through the tree-lined pathways. You can take a bike or rickshaw around this oasis from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take some beautiful photos in the butterfly garden or rent an electric boat on the river.
Open: 7am-6pm daily
Cost: RMB 10
Transportation: Century Park Metro Station
