As this cold winter fog lifts from the city, we want to suggest some worthwhile outdoor activities to engage in for the upcoming spring season. Once you’re ready to switch off your heaters and head outside, consider exploring these scenic spots in Shanghai! Zhongshan Park Although seemingly on the other side of town, Zhongshan Park is only around a 20-30 minute subway ride away and quite the place to be during spring. Head over with friends and some picnic-inspired snacks for a relaxing day in the park. There’s also a small lake in the park equipped with swan-like paddle-boats for rental, so if that doesn’t do it for you, I don’t know what will. Century Park Probably your quickest escape to an outdoorsy area, Century Park is only a 15 minute subway ride away from our dorms, and always an option for those in need of relaxation. Although the park has a 10 kuai entrance fee, it’s quite expansive (as the largest park in Shanghai) and will give you a bang for your buck. Century Park also includes Century Pond, so romantic paddle-boat dates are only 15 minutes away. Xiangyang Park In the midst of your French Concession cafe/brunch hopping, stop by Xiangyang Park on Huaihai Lu for a quick retreat in the midst of the hustle and bustle of the city. People’s Square

(http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d2/View_over_People's_Park_from_the_Shanghai_Urban_Planning_Exhibition_Center.jpg) The headquarters of annoyingly-long and crowded subway transfers in fact has a lot of offer above ground as well! Shanghai’s iconic and historical People’s Square is definitely a must-do every few months. Soak up the sun and green-space while admiring the perimeter of high-rises surrounding the park, explore the many historical sites (museums, opera house, etc.), or jump around the huge fountain next to Shanghai’s municipal government headquarters building and consider it our Shanghainese Washington Square Park. South Bund Rock Climbing Wall (http://peoplesbike.com/pplsen/?p=5786) For any rock climbers out there, consider checking out the “riverside public open space” area near the Xuhui Green Space (where the annual Shanghai German Christmas Market is held). This narrow bund-side space boasts a ~10 meter high bouldering wall (surrounded by cushioned padding), a floodlit skate park nearby, and makes for quite a nice jogging path as a whole. This article was written by Betsie Wilson. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Betsie Wilson