Century Park is Shanghai’s largest park, and also possibly the newest, given that it officially opened in 2000. Covering 140 hectares at the heart of the frenetic Pudong district, this beautiful open space offers a welcome respite from city life.
The grounds are laid out in a mixture of styles, combining the best of Chinese, British and Japanese landscaping. Marvel at the ingenious topiary works that depict leaping dolphins, pandas and goddesses. You’ll also find bamboo forests and many different fruit trees dotted throughout the park. These are especially beautiful in springtime when covered in colourful blossom.
Tandem bicycles and cycling-cars are available for hire, and are a perfect way to explore the park.
A stream winds its way around the edge of the park, and at the centre you’ll find a large lake complete with a series of small islands. You can rent a boat and head out across the water to discover them. Bird Island is the largest, and is a dedicated nature reserve. The melodious residents sound their best either in the early morning or in the evening. This sanctuary is also home to over 50 types of tree and shrub, including acacia, peach, plum and poplar trees, and laurel and privet hedges. Pause to admire the towering ginkgo, or maidenhair tree, believed to be at least 100 years old.
Apart from sitting back and enjoying the scenery, there are plenty of entertainment options in the park. Try your hand at the traditional Chinese pastime of kite-flying. There are plenty of vendors selling kites around the park. Or, head to the miniature golf course at the western edge of the park for a round or two. If you have small children in tow, don’t miss the fun children’s play area – it’s sure to burn up any excess energy.
Century Park is open every day. A small admission fee is payable, but there is no charge for young children. The closest metro stations are Century Park and Yanggao South Road.
