Century Park Guide

Century Park is the largest green space in central Shanghai, and it is a welcome change of pace after the towers and crowds of Pudong. It opened in 2000, and it covers well over a hundred hectares of lawns, lakes, woods and gardens, designed with the help of a British landscape firm. On a fine weekend it feels like half the city has come here to picnic, cycle and fly kites.

The layout

The park is built around a large lake, with winding streams, islands and bridges, and it is divided into zones with different moods. There are open meadows for picnics, shady woods for walking, formal flower gardens and quiet corners for reading. The scale is generous, so even on busy days you can find a peaceful spot, and the paths are wide and easy.

Bikes and boats

One of the best ways to see the park is by bicycle, and there are rental points near the main gates. A ride around the lake takes about an hour at an easy pace, and the route is flat and mostly shaded. Boats can also be rented on the lake, from pedal boats to small electric ones. Prices are modest, but queues build up at weekends, so go early.

Spring flowers

The park is at its prettiest in spring, when the cherry blossoms, tulips and other flowers bloom, and the lawns are covered with people on blankets. Autumn is also lovely, with golden leaves and clear skies, and winter has a quiet charm when the crowds thin out. Find out what is in bloom if you want to see a particular display, because the timing changes from year to year.

Picnic culture

Picnicking is a favourite local habit, and families set up tents and mats on the lawns with snacks, games and drinks. Visitors are welcome to join in, and it is a pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Bring your own food, since cafes and shops are limited and prices are high. Take rubbish away or use the bins, because the lawns are heavily used.

With children

The park is excellent for families, with playgrounds, open space and gentle paths. Kites, bubbles and scooters are common, and you can rent small bikes for older children. Bring sun protection, because shade is patchy on the lawns, and carry water. A day in the park is a nice break after a morning at the science museum.

Birds and quiet corners

Beyond the busy lakeshore, the park has reed beds, small woods and a bird-watching area where you can spot herons, kingfishers and migrating songbirds in the right season. Bring binoculars if you have them, and walk slowly and quietly at the edges of the water, where the birds are least disturbed.

Tickets and hours

There is a modest entrance fee, and the park is open from early morning to evening. Prices and hours may change, so look up the official information before you go. Some areas or events may require extra tickets, and the park is sometimes closed during bad weather or special events.

Getting there

Century Park station on metro line 2 opens right beside the main gate, which makes this one of the easiest parks in the city to reach. The same line runs through Lujiazui and the science museum, so you can combine them in a day.

How long to allow

Allow two to three hours for a leisurely walk or a bike ride, or half a day if you plan to picnic, rent a boat and linger. Weekday mornings are the quietest, and Sunday afternoons are the busiest.

What to skip

You do not need to see every garden, and you can skip the park in heavy rain or on a very hot summer afternoon. If you want a smaller, more local park experience, Fuxing Park in Puxi is the better choice.