As Shanghai embraces winter, the air turns chilly, carrying the last whispers of osmanthus and the rustle of gilded plane leaves. It's a season measured by the rhythm of your footsteps — a time when the city's landscapes unfold in golden hues. Discover three routes that capture the essence of Shanghai, from a serene urban loop to a vibrant riverside path.
Century Park loop: Urban oasis
A crown jewel for Shanghai's active community, the outer loop of Century Park offers a classic 5-kilometer circuit. Featuring a professional running path with minimal elevation change, it enables runners to fully focus on their rhythm and pace amidst a serene environment.
The classic loop starts at Gate 7. Run clockwise along the park's peripheral path, returning to your starting point. The route is dotted with rest benches and water stations, allowing you to adjust your pace as needed.
Exercisers run in the Century Park.
Recommended jogging route
After your run
Don't miss Jingtian Lake. Rent a paddle boat and glide across the clear water, enjoying the reflection of colorful foliage on the banks and the occasional waterfowl causing gentle ripples. Relax on the large lawn, bask in the warm sun, watch children play, or bring a picnic for a simple, refreshing camping experience.
Enjoy a serene moment on Jingtian Lake.
If you go
Where: No 1001 Jinxiu Road, Pudong New Area
When: Open all day. Mornings on weekdays are ideal for a crowd-free run.
How to get there: Metro Line 2, Century Park Station, Exit 1. Walk to Gate 7.
Xuhui Riverside: Where art, river views, and sport meet
Widely celebrated as one of Shanghai's most picturesque sports corridors, Xuhui Riverside offers stunning river vistas, a dynamic art scene, and fantastic jogging paths. The route passes iconic public spaces like the Long Museum and Yuz Museum, creating a culturally rich and visually diverse experience.
A picturesque view of the Xuhui Riverside.
Recommended jogging route
Start at the Tank Shanghai art center. Run north along the riverside greenway, passing the Long Museum (West Bund), and the Skateboard Park. Turn back upon reaching Nanyuan Park, completing a round trip of about 7 kilometers.
After your run
Extend your enjoyment with a stroll along the river. As night falls, the Lupu Bridge transforms into a rainbow of colors arching over the Huangpu River. The area also offers climbing walls and a skate park for those seeking extra adventure.
A night view of the Lupu Bridge.
If you go
Where: Tank Shanghai, No 2381 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district
When: Open 24/7. Try to avoid the peak times between 10 am and 4 pm on weekends.
How to get there: Metro Line 7, Middle Longhua Road Station, Exit 5 (3-minute walk).
Haiwan National Forest Park: A wilderness escape
With a forest coverage exceeding 80 percent, Haiwan National Forest Park is a true "natural oxygen bar". Its running paths weave through diverse groves of metasequoia and camphor trees, offering a deeply immersive forest escape for sports enthusiasts looking to leave the city buzz behind.
Enter from the main gate and follow the forest path to the 300-meter redwood boardwalk. After crossing, continue along the lakeside path, passing the floating bridge lookout and osmanthus forest, before returning via ginkgo boulevard to complete a roughly 6.5-kilometer journey.
Haiwan National Forest Park turns red as the temperature drops.
Recommended jogging route
After your run
Enhance your visit with water activities like kayaking through the redwood groves, or enjoy other amenities such as rainbow slides and go-karts, making it an ideal destination for a full day of active family fun.
Kayaking through the redwood groves.
If you go
Where: No 1677 Suitanghe Road, Fengxian district
When: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm daily (last entry 3:30 pm). The soft morning light is perfect for taking in the scenery.
How to get there: Driving from downtown is recommended.
Embrace the cool, fragrant air and explore Shanghai's vibrant landscapes on these unforgettable jogging routes. Happy running!
2026-01-23
