How to beat the heat and enjoy the great out-of-doors
Print Edition
SUMMERTIME, and the livin’ is easy.” Well, at least that’s what George Gershwin said in his famous tune from “Porgy and Bess.”
Summer was made for leisure living and the great out-of-doors, but high humidity, sultry heat and burning sunshine can drive many people to think the only easy living is in air-conditioned surroundings.
Time to think again. We have some tips about great destinations in Minhang where you can enjoy the best summer has to offer without suffering sunburn or heat stroke.
• Dino Beach
What better way to cool down and have fun than to head to one of Shanghai’s popular water parks?
Dino Beach Water Park is one of the biggest open-air water parks in Asia, covering more than 85,000 square meters.
It boasts many amusement facilities, including a massive wave pool, various water slides, and inflatable raft rides.
While it is often very crowded on weekends, the park provides a pleasant summer opportunity to mix and mingle, and it’s a surefire way to cool down as the days heat up.
Those worried about hygiene may find it reassuring to know that the park has a filtration system that replaces the water every three hours.
Hours: Through August 24, 9am-12am
Address: 78 Xinzhen Rd
Admission: 120-200 yuan
• Jinjiang Park
Jinjiang Park was considered the “Disneyland of Shanghai” when it opened in the 1980s as the first theme park in Shanghai. Of course, an authentic Disneyland is now under construction in the city, but that doesn’t detract from what has remained a very nice getaway at Jinjiang.
Although the park is no longer quite the same magnet for visitors that it once was, there’s still plenty to see and do. And this summer, the park is featuring a Taiwan Snack Festival.
Vendors from the famous Shilin Night Market in Taipei have brought a variety of authentic local flavors to Jinjiang, including oyster omelets, fried chicken cutlets, bubble tea and meatballs. Sampling these snacks is the next best thing to strolling in the Taipei market.
In fact, the festival is so popular that long queues every evening in front of food booths are not uncommon.
Park officials said the park is now logging in about 15,000 visitors a day, nearly eight times its usual volume.
In addition to some truly tasty food, visitors can enjoy a cool summer breeze on the Ferris wheel, which is an icon of the park. Those with strong digestive systems might have a hair-raising ride on the rollercoaster, while those who prefer their entertainment more sedate might choose the delightful merry-go-round.
Hours: Through August 31, 5-10pm
Address: 201 Hongmei Rd
Admission: 20 yuan, including a snack and a soft drink. Ride fees are extra.
• Pujiang Forest Park
A forest is nature’s refuge on a scorching day and also a natural oxygenation system amid carbon dioxide emissions.
Pujiang Forest Park may not be the biggest woodlands in the city, but it is certainly among the most beautiful and serene. Its natural landscaping is soothing. All trees in the park are naturally growing; they weren’t imported from tree farms as saplings. The shadiness imparts a certain feel of the wild.
Natural lakes, streams and hills in the park complement the native flora. What a perfect place for an evening barbeque or picnic with family and friends!
The only problem is getting there. Accessibility is difficult via public transport. But the park provides ample and convenient parking, and small vehicles are allowed in the park interior.
Hours: Daily
Address: 100 Lianyue Rd, Pujiang Town
Admission: Free
• Hanxiang Water Expo Park
Water is the great summer coolant, and the Hanxiang Water Expo Park is an ideal spot to enjoy it.
The park is actually an ecological zone, designed in traditional Chinese style.
Located along the Huangpu River, the park has the practical function in safeguarding the purity of the water resource. But it also provides amenities for visitors.
The garden includes a museum with replicas of ancient Chinese bridges, and an ancient tree reserve. Lakes, pavilions and flowers in traditional Chinese landscaping make this an ideal spot for strolling lovers, family reunions or just individual meditation.
The park also offers a sampling of country life, with fishing and fresh fruit picking on offer.
Address: 3308, Jiangchuan Road W.
Admission: 30 yuan
Hours: 9am to 4pm
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