In our increasingly digital world, where screens dominate our lives, the allure of nature's embrace has never been stronger. A 2024 metric for social media app Xiaohongshu shows a staggering year-on-year spike of 685% in user uploads and videos for picnic spots. Shanghai, a city synonymous with towering skyscrapers, has made remarkable strides in cultivating green spaces, transforming itself into a sprawling urban oasis. With meticulous landscaping and unwavering dedication to preserving flora, the city has crafted beautiful landscapes that beckon families to escape the concrete jungle.
As summer fades into autumn, the crisp air and golden hues create the perfect backdrop for leisurely picnics. Sharing quality time with loved ones while soaking up vitamin D has become a cherished tradition. The picnic culture in Shanghai is booming, with families investing in essential gear like picnic mats and portable furniture. It's a delightful trend that mirrors the growing desire for outdoor experiences.
With so many parks to choose from, selecting the ideal spot for a family outing can be overwhelming. To help you narrow down your options, we've curated a list of five exceptional parks that offer a perfect blend of nature, activities, and family-friendly amenities.
Daning Park: A City Oasis
Photo: The Author
Daning Park is a sprawling green haven in the heart of Shanghai, covering over 200 acres, which makes it one of the largest parks in the city. This expansive park boasts a unique blend of natural beauty and modern amenities. From a man-made white-sand beach to a serene lake that offers boating and fishing activities, there are diverse experiences for families. Kids and adults alike will love the open-air gym. Fitness enthusiasts and runners will find this to be one of the best outdoor runs on a smart running track that offers interactive fitness challenges and uses face scans to determine health metrics, track distance runs, monitor heart rate, and compare each runner's performance against others on the track.
The park's tulip festival display in spring is truly breathtaking, showcasing 45 different species in a stunning array of colors. However, its charm extends beyond the spring season. Daning Park is a fantastic destination for families looking to enjoy some quality time outdoors. It offers plenty of space for picnicking, playing, and simply unwinding, making it a must-visit spot in the city.
Shanghai Moon Lake Sculpture Park
Art, Adventure, and All-Out Fun
Photo: Da Zhong Dian Ping, The Author
Shanghai Sculpture Park is a captivating blend of art and recreation. This expansive park, located around Moon Lake, spans 86.7 hectares and features more than 80 originally commissioned works that showcase the work of Chinese and international artists. It now includes an artist residency program alongside a sculpture workshop for local and international participants. Each section of the park represents a different season, offering diverse landscapes and lots of open space to put up tents, BBQ grills, hammocks, and picnic mats.
The park is a playground for all ages, in addition to the arts. A man-made sandy beach with a kid-friendly shoreline, a dog-friendly pool shallow enough for one to walk and play fetch in, and ample open space for kite flying and testing toy planes—you may even seasonally spot paragliding enthusiasts doing their practice runs. The sprawling open spaces invite relaxation and fun. Kids will love the jungle gyms, bouncy castles, boating, and thrilling water zorbing (running in giant clear inflatable balls.) The vastness of the park guarantees a peaceful, sparsely populated escape, but it also necessitates vigilant supervision of children and pets to prevent mishaps or loss. With its unique combination of art, nature, and endless activities, Shanghai Sculpture Park is a vibrant destination for everyone.
Fun tip: You could make it a weekend getaway and book a hotel. There's a lot to explore around this park, including amusement parks, old church architecture, and the foothills of Songjiang.
West Bund Riverfront
Urban Cultural Hub
Photo: Da Zhong Dian Ping, The Author
West Bund Riverfront is a vibrant hub where art, culture, and outdoor adventure converge. The transformation of this former industrial area into a stunning public space offers a unique blend of leisure and creativity.
Stretch your legs along the scenic boardwalk, which is perfect for jogging or cycling. You can challenge yourself on the outdoor climbing wall or skate park, or shoot some hoops at the street basketball court. Picnic on the lush green lawns, surrounded by contemporary architecture and stunning river views. Enjoy the lively atmosphere with friends and family, or simply relax and soak up the city's dynamic vibe. The West Bund is a pet-friendly haven, often hosting bazaars and fairs with plenty of trendy cafes and restaurants. You can even order food delivery to your picnic mat, or simply walk into the 711 store and pick something to nibble on.
Inspired by iconic waterfronts like Hamburg and Canary Wharf, this space seamlessly blends history and modernity. Discover the West Bund Art Center, housed in a converted aircraft factory, showcasing world-class art exhibitions.
Whether you're an art lover, a sports enthusiast, or simply seeking a relaxing day out, the West Bund Riverfront will provide an urban escape for a day spent lazing on the grass and soaking up some much-needed Vitamin D.
Shanghai Urban Vegetable Garden
A Hands-On Farming Adventure
Photo: Da Zhong Dian Ping, The Author
An offbeat picnic spot at the far end of the city in Fengxian District, the Shanghai Urban Vegetable Garden is more than just a park; it's an interactive experience celebrating the world of fruits and vegetables. This unique attraction offers visitors a chance to explore over 200 varieties, from planting to plating, and hosts a range of gardening activities for children. Beyond the educational aspects, the garden boasts thrilling activities like a mini-train, go-karting, canoeing, paintball, and a children's playground.
While families can enjoy farm-to-table dining and picnicking amidst nature (bring your own tents and hammocks), it's essential to note that the park's grass maintenance might vary. Nevertheless, it remains a captivating destination for those seeking a blend of education and entertainment.
Zhongshan Park: A Natural Retreat
Photo: Da Zhong Dian Ping, The Author
If strolling through a park where time seems to slow down sounds like an ideal afternoon for you, visit Zhongshan Park. Opened to the public in 1914, Zhongshan Park is a blend of English and Chinese garden styles. A series of expansions and constructions after the formation of the People's Republic of China saw new facilities added to the park, which included a large lawn, an artificial hill, a kid’s playground, and a mini zoo, to name a few.
With twelve attractions, including the enchanting Yinmen Diecui (South Gate of the Park), the picturesque Huashu Ningxiang (Peony Garden), various sculptures, and Chinese-style arched bridges over lakes, one can embark on a fragrant journey through horticultural splendor, wandering through lush green spaces with beautiful flowers everywhere. Peonies, cherry blossoms, and roses are dominant in a sea of over 30,000 trees.
While there’s no specific guideline for picnics in the park, it’s not uncommon to find hordes of visitors sitting on mats on the grass, enjoying a serene afternoon with their loved ones amidst nature. With ample green cover, it’s a wonderful spot for outdoor fun and games or a traditional date spent walking with someone special.
