Having lived in China for over a decade, we are huge fans of Chinese public parks. Even before having a child in China, since I first visited the country in 1997, I have loved public parks. Many things are happening. While I have never managed to see a sunrise gathering of early riser tai chi students moving slowly in unison as the sun rises, there is still plenty to welcome a visitor.
Of course, now that I have an active child in a city where we don’t exactly have big green courtyards outside our doors, the parks of Shanghai in particular have become our playgrounds. Here’s a little introduction to what Chinese parks look like and what to expect.
Entrance fees
Many parks are free, but some charge a nominal entrance fee.
Opening hours
The parks are open every day, usually between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Some may open earlier, but most are closed after dark.
Facilities
The facilities vary from park to park but basically you can expect public restrooms, refreshment stands (for bottled water and snacks), and a guardhouse (in case you have any questions or problems).
Larger parks may be outfitted with restaurants and teahouses, playgrounds for kids, exercise equipment for seniors, man-made lakes with rowboats, and maybe, if you’re lucky, grass that is suitable for walking (more on this then). )
About the herb
In some parks, you can step, sit, and play on the grass. In some parks, a man with a whistle will chase you if you do this. In some parks, “off the grass” signs are summarily ignored and no one blows a whistle or cares. How do you navigate this? Just do what the locals do. If they’re on the grass, go ahead.
Activities in Unison
Parks are places for people to come together, especially retirees. You’ll see all kinds of activities that you probably won’t find in your neighborhood park.
- Ballroom dance: takes place with or without music. The old men get together, take a place in the park and dance all day. You will see quite a few dancers without a partner, some very professional dancers decorated and others just to watch. They may even ask you to join.
- Tai Chi – Not as popular as dancing, you will find some small groups that practice slow movements.
- Sword and fan dance: I have only seen women practice this traditional dance with a large red fan and a flimsy silver sword. It’s really fun to watch.
- Traditional Music, Singing and Dancing – This is one of my favorite things to see, especially the old men with their traditional Chinese instruments. A large group can meet, or it can be just two or three. An impromptu impromptu session will begin. Some will sing, some will play music. This can be very lively and interesting to sit for a while and listen.
Exercises alone
There are many people who only enjoy the park on their own. Here are some things you could see doing.
- Tree Hug – You can see a variety of exercises performed by people who just make their circulation work like jogging in place, quick circular movements with arms and legs, and my favorite, tree hug, which allows the practitioner to stretch the arms. .
- Calligraphy Writing – Many people, mostly men I have noticed, come to parks armed with a jug of water and their calligraphy brush. They practice the lines with water and the characters last a few minutes on the pavement before they dry. The last time I saw a man in Zhongshan Park, Shanghai, he smiled at me and then wrote: “One world, one dream” (the slogan for the 2008 Beijing Olympics) in English.
- Kite Flying: This quintessential Chinese activity is taken very seriously. Some of the kites are really amazing, but what’s even more fantastic is how high the flyers fly in the air. Wherever kites are flown, there is someone who sells them so you can participate.
Will everyone get married today?
Some parks are more popular than others for wedding photos. Wedding photos are not taken on the day of the ceremony in China. Most couples go to the studio, dress in rented suits (big white wedding dresses for the girls and a variety of tuxedos for the boys), and go with the photographer and park goers to take photos. You can see up to 50 different couples in one day!
Children’s parks
There are specific amusement parks, of course. But other than that, many public parks have some kind of fun for children. Unfortunately, this does not translate to a grassy or sandy playground. Usually the amusement area consists of a set of ruined attractions and a bouncy castle.
On weekends, parks may have other set activities, such as goldfish fishing and art stations where children can decorate a scene of their choice with squeezed paint that is then baked into a plastic Hello Kitty (or whatever) ornament. whatever) for your refrigerator.
If you have children in tow, come armed with a little money and they will have a ball.
Parks with children
Parks are places where many babysitters and grandmothers bring their charges to play or hang out. If you are not Chinese in appearance, then your children, especially babies and toddlers in strollers, will attract a lot of attention from passersby and park people.
You may be asked if they can hold your child and a friendly granny will probably give them a treat. I have never seen more friendly people when it comes to children. And while you may find the attention overwhelming or even annoying, remember that it is treated in a gentle way.
Good tools to manage this are
- smiling and being friendly while continuing to stroll;
- smiling but waving your hand from side to side if someone offers you food that you prefer your child not have;
- Another way to deal with food is to accept it on your child’s behalf (and then decide whether to share it with them).
- indicating that your child is asleep in the stroller and that you prefer not to be disturbed.
Parks for lovers
The most outward displays of affection you will witness in the parks are couples reclining perhaps with the bride’s head on the groom’s lap as he plays with her hair and she takes a nap. Perhaps, you will see an elderly couple holding hands.
Chinese parks are not a place to go if you want to kiss and caress yourself. Kindly go back to your room for that.
