Living in one of the most populous cities in the world can be daunting at times. You are constantly surrounded by the unyielding concrete jungle and its endless rush of traffic. To avoid insanity, it is sometimes necessary to break free from the constraints of the city and seek out the peacefulness of nature. Unfortunately, time doesn’t always allow for a proper excursion into the arms of mother nature. It is then, when the madness is at its peak, that Century Park becomes the longing soul’s best friend. Providing the city dweller with a taste of nature’s sweet embrace, right on his doorstep.
Century Park is the largest park in Shanghai and offers a handsome retreat from the bustling streets. Although the park has a 10 RMB entrance fee, it’s definitely well worth the solace it provides. Throughout the park, there are spaces where both the sights and sounds of the city are drowned by the green grass beneath your feet and the wind singing through the trees. Numerous pathways crisscross the park, allowing you to explore every corner of this green stain on the city floor.
If you’re not in the mood for walking, you can always hire a bicycle or an electric boat. These allow you to traverse the park far more efficiently. The boats seem exceptionally fun. The park has multiple waterways that allow you to see the entire park, while gracefully gliding on the water. The bicycles range from normal single seaters to six-seater paddle cars. This makes it particularly convenient for larger groups and paves the way for a fun expedition with friends.
Century Park is one of Shanghai’s prime picnic locations. It offers a great variety of sites, which means that even the most captious of picnickers will be able to find a suitable spot. Plus, even if you forget your picnic basket, there are kiosks scattered throughout the park to help you out. They provide the basic necessities for a day in the park, including soft drinks, ice cream, sweets and an assortment of other snacks. The park also has relatively large open spaces, which are perfect for playing outdoor games.
If you’re on the lookout for a quiet spot to forget about your troubles and the rush of the city, Century Park is definitely a heavyweight contender. Even though it might get a bit crowded over the weekend, you should still be able to find a quiet spot hidden from the masses. Taking some time to relax is a good way to refresh the mind, body and soul. So get that book you’ve been meaning to read and go find your reading tree.
So, whether you’re looking to have a game of frisbee, a picnic with your mates or just want to escape the rush of the city, Century Park is the way to go. It’s easy to find, it doesn’t break the bank and it can be a whole lot of fun.
How do I get there?
Century Park is located on line 2, about 20-30 minutes from Jing’an Temple. Once there, take exit 3 and head east on Century Avenue. You should see the park’s main entrance right in front of you. Here are the links to help you find your way – Google Maps and Baidu Maps.