Fuxing Park

Fuxing Park designed in the French style is one of Shanghai's most attractive green spaces. Formerly a private estate in the center of the French Concession, it was bought by the French residents living in the area  who opened it in 1909. It is styled after your typical Parisian city park, with wide tree lined walks and flower beds. It is now one of the city's most popular parks with many pleasant fountains, children's playgrounds, including a carousel, and lovely garden areas. 

One of the more unique aspects that we've observed of Shanghainese culture is how many Chinese people gather in the park at different times throughout the day for all kinds of activities. Early in the mornings you will find the Tai Chi loyalists. During midday and throughout the afternoon you will find groups of ballroom dancers, karaoke singers , opera singers, men playing Chinese chess and cards, groups discussing politics and other controversial subjects, folks gossiping, and doing water calligraphy on the walkways using giant brushes. In the mornings on weekends old men bring their song birds in bamboo cages and sit with them on the park benches. Besides all of this you will find families strolling around the park or picnicking on the lovely  grassy areas and of course you will find your dog walkers and the people watchers.