My Shanghai Happy Place: Fuxing Park

I’ve always considered myself a city girl. The sound of buzzing neon lights, the energy of people as they crowd the sidewalks, the ability to get a slice of pizza at 3am on a Tuesday. As someone who grew up in Small Town, U.S.A, the thrill of moving somewhere bigger–somewhere better–was not only a dream, but a necessity.

So here I am, in what seems to be the world’s largest city–Shanghai. Population 25 million. Complete with humming motorbikes, all-night street food, and subway cars resembling the inside of a sardine can.

I got exactly what I wanted. Well, kind of. See, I’ve been moving from one big city to the next for the last six years–my last two homes pushing 10 million people each (Seoul and Bogotá). And while it’s great for awhile, I find myself craving peace and quiet. I want green space. I long to sleep past 9am without hearing the sounds of jackhammers.

So, just like Adam Sandler in “Happy Gilmore,” I needed to find my “happy place.” And boy did I find it–in Fuxing Park.Fuxing-Park-Lake2015-08-16_0007Fuxing-Park-ShanghaiOriginally a private garden during the Ming Dynasty, sprawling Fuxing Park was taken over by the French after the Opium War, and turned into the only “French-style garden” in Shanghai. Lined with the city’s famous Plane trees, the paths take visitors through lush rose gardens, past a large field and to a large lake.

But that’s not why I love it. Sure, it’s a beautiful oasis in the center of the city (near Xintiandi and across from Sinan Mansions), but it’s also a window into Chinese culture. Here, in the early morning hours (usually before 10), visitors get the rare opportunity to see what a Chinese community really looks like–to experience people watching at its finest. Old men, dressed in pajamas, play intense games of Chinese checkers. Old women, donning giant visors, dance ballroom. Groups gather to sing sheet music on microphones. People perform Tai Chi under trees.Mahjong-Fuxing-ParkChinese-Checkers-Fuxing2015-08-16_00052015-08-16_0004Do yourself a favor: if you find yourself in Shanghai, and do nothing else, visit this happy place. I guarantee you’ll leave smiling.

Address Card:
Chongqing Nan Lu,
near Fuxing Zhong Lu
复兴公园。重庆南路, 近复兴中路

Closest Metro: Xintiandi Station, Line 10

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16 Comments
  • Chris
    Posted at 18:07h, 17 August

    Another great blog. Thanks for sharing.

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 19:55h, 17 August

      Thanks, Chris! And thanks for reading 🙂

  • Melody
    Posted at 02:27h, 18 August

    What a cute park! I’m glad you’re able to find a place of solitude in such a bustling city!

    Melody // http://www.marevoli.com

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 02:48h, 18 August

      Me too, Melody! It’s the cutest 🙂

  • Edna
    Posted at 03:20h, 18 August

    I love Fuxing Park too, it’s a tiny reminder of the old Shanghai that I miss and you can’t really find anymore! I spent all my summers in the city as a kid and it used to be like this — the checkers, the tai chi, the dancing — everywhere.

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 20:15h, 18 August

      Awesome memories, Edna! I feel so lucky to live in a traditional lanehouse, only two blocks from the park. It’s easy to forget the fact that you’re actually in China when living in Shanghai. Fuxing Park is a beautiful reminder 🙂

  • Courtney
    Posted at 14:46h, 18 August

    omg! people dancing in the park?! that’s totally awesome!

    XO Color Me Courtney
    http://www.colormecourtney.com

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 20:16h, 18 August

      Courtney, it’s amazing!! And there are dozens of people doing it. I’ve actually had a woman make me dance ballroom with her! 🙂 xo

  • Shine
    Posted at 22:27h, 18 August

    This place made my soul soar! To be among people loving what nutures them is such a special experience! It is rela,ing, fascinating, and invorating!

  • Juliana
    Posted at 14:11h, 19 August

    I would never have guessed! This park looks so beautiful. I think it’s particularly important to be able to have a peaceful space when living in a bustling city. Thanks for sharing.

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 20:08h, 19 August

      I agree, Juliana! It’s my goal to share more about what I see while living here in Shanghai. I think, as a long-term expat, it’s easy to become so used to things we once found “strange.” After awhile, “strange” becomes your version of “normal.” I’m trying to see things as they once were 🙂 Thanks for reading!

  • Maddy
    Posted at 20:14h, 21 August

    If I lived in Shanghai, this would be my happy place, too. No doubt about it. I will definitely make a point of visiting when I travel to Shanghai next year! Thanks for sharing!

    – Maddy
    http://www.travelalphas.com

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 20:18h, 23 August

      You absolutely should! And you should also contact me when you come! Would love to show you around and grab a bite to eat 🙂

      • Maddy
        Posted at 12:26h, 08 September

        That would be lovely! I definitely will 🙂

  • Eden
    Posted at 16:39h, 24 August

    I definitely want to visit here, everyone looks so happy — definitely seems like a great place to catch up with friends or just relax and people watch. Beautiful photos 🙂

    http://www.mintnotion.com

    • admin_jennifer
      Posted at 00:10h, 01 September

      You should, Eden! It is such an amazing place. And thanks for the compliment 🙂