A Guide for Your Golden Week Staycation

With Golden Week arriving soon, the halls of NYUSH are filled with students discussing their plans for the break. Some students have applied for travel exemptions spanning some, or all, of the break. Others are staying in Shanghai to circumvent a possible 21-day quarantine if their travel location becomes a medium-risk area. For those staying, we have asked some upperclassmen their favorite places around Shanghai. Students listed a collection of parks and attractions across the city in order to make your break more exciting.

Cover Art by Peng Qingyu '23

Parks

Pudong 浦东

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Photo of Jinqiao Park by Nina Ruffolo ’23

Jinqiao Park (金桥公园) is a 20-minute walk from the Jinqiao dorms and a 15-minute walk from the Jinyang Dorms. It is well-manicured and has plenty of places to sit and enjoy some of Shanghai’s lovelier weather. The park is also a great place to run, featuring a running track along the exterior and an abundance of pathways through the interior. On days with nice weather, locals gather to share their musical talents which often feature solo performances or small orchestras. To top it all off, Jinqiao Park does not require an entrance fee.

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Photo of Century Park by Nina Ruffolo ’23

If this break you happen to be on Century Avenue, Century Park (世纪公园) is a timeless classic. No matter how many times you have been, there is always a section you have not explored previously. Whether you are bringing your own picnic or planning to get food in the park, Century Park will always be a great place to enjoy the weather with friends. Century Park is easily accessible through the Metro Line 2 at the Science and Technology Museum Station (上海科技馆站) or the Century Park Station (世纪公园站). But, there is an entrance fee of 10 RMB.

Puxi 浦西

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Photo of Fuxing Park from Dianping

Starting off the list of recommended parks in Puxi is Fuxing Park (复兴公园). Located in the former French Concession, Fuxing Park has a Western-style, yet fulfills the classic Shanghai park feeling. Much like Jinqiao Park, nice days feature performances by locals and the meadow is filled with people practicing yoga. Fuxing Park is located off of Line 13 at the former Xintiandi Station (新天地站), the Site of the First National Congress Station (一大会址站). Fuxing Park does not require an entrance fee.

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Photo of Zhongshan Park by Nina Ruffolo '23

Our final park is Zhongshan Park (中山公园). Zhongshan Park features an expansive field to soak up the nice weather in and multiple paths to explore the park through. The open field often features people playing frisbee, having picnics, and enjoying the great outdoors. If you take Exit 2 from the Zhongshan Park Metro Station (中山公园站), you will get to experience the joys of parks in China as the locals dance together. Entrance to Zhongshan Park is free.

Attractions

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Photo of West Bund Museum by Dai Yuntong ’23

Located in Xuhui District, West Bund Museum (西岸美术馆) features various exhibits, and is in a fun area filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and restaurants to explore once you finish touring the museum! As a fully indoor activity, the museum is a perfect solution for a rainy day. With an ever-changing and varied lineup of exhibits, you can return back in the future. Admissions fees vary based on the ticket you buy. West Bund Museum is accessible via Metro Line 11 at Yunjin Road Station (云锦路站).

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Photo of Happy Valley by Nour EL Mansari '23

For all those seeking a thrill this holiday, Happy Valley (上海欢乐谷) is an amusement park located outside of the city center in Puxi. It features several themed sections and a Happy Valley is highly recommended by multiple students for the variety of rides. Ticket prices vary, but taking your purple student ID book may help you to get a discounted ticket if you buy it in person. By public transportation, you can take Metro Line 9, then transfer to a bus that will take you up to the entrance of the park.

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Photo of Jinshan City Beach by Nina Ruffolo ‘23

The weather reports for National Holiday are predicting a continuation of daily highs in the 30’s. Looking to escape the heat and get some much-needed rest on a beach? Jinshan City Beach (金山城市沙滩) is the perfect place to spend a day. The area, though small, is a great day trip destination, whether you are looking to lay in the sand and relax, or bike through the surrounding community. There is a selection of food available within the parameters of the beach, but you are more than welcome to bring your own snacks. Transportation to the beach varies depending on your starting location. However, you can always take Line 2 to Hongqiao Train Station (虹桥火车站). There you will take Exit C, go outside to the top of the parking lot for the Hongqiao West Transportation Center: Public Bus Section (虹桥西交通中心) where you will take 虹桥枢纽7路B线. From Century Avenue, transportation costs for one-way are 18RMB.

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Photo of Huangpu Riverside Bike Path by Nina Ruffolo ’23

Biking along the East Bund’s Huangpu Riverside Bike Path is not only free, but also provides a leisurely or high-intensity workout, and beautiful views of the cityscape. There are tons of places to stop and see the views as you move from community garden to community garden, not to mention, reaching the end of the trail is super rewarding! The path is wonderful for walking too if you do not know how to ride a bike. Make sure you pack water and snacks, though there are vending machines along the path if you are in a pinch.