Fuxing park has been grassy retreat since the Ming dynasty with many changes of ownership till it once again landed in Chinese control. It started out as some affluent individuals’ private backyard before the French acquired the area in the French Concessions of the 19th century. In 1909 the park was modeled with typical elements of colonial French style gardens and opened only to residents of the concessions. Later, during the 1930s, the Japanese used it as a parade ground during their occupation of Shanghai until it was finally brought back under the Shanghai local government. Like much of the Former French Concessions, the park bears both Western and Oriental styles of landscaping and is open for foreigners and locals alike.
The closest metro station is the Xintiandi stop which visitors can get to through metro lines 10 and 13. A few steps west on Fuxing Middle road and viola, the south gate of the park appears! Entrance is free while the park opens at 06:00 and closes at 18:00 too. Morning times are the most appealing because visitors get to see the city waking up and the elderly and retired indulging while weekends bring a life of their own with more crowd and various clubs. The facilities are well-maintained and the grass; manicured with simply exquisite plants and flowers showcased according to the seasons.
French elements in the park are confined to the north and the middle area while the rest is the embodiment of Chinese gardening style.
Perhaps the most picturesque are the below ground level flower beds in a courtyard, a neat box of seasonal flowers which people can gaze upon as they walk past. The flower bed, a fountain and another larger flower bed are arranged in a west to east direction at the east boundary of the park. With the distinctly western Juhe culture center building with its’ glass windows looming in the background, the spot is one most favored for insta-moments.
In the northeast corner is a statue of Friedrich Engles standing side by side with Karl Marx which was erected to commemorate the 90th death anniversary of the former philosopher. The courtyard is a nice get together spot where kids and adults can play sports together.
The Rose Garden is another beauty with an oval garden and statue bearing pond in its center that is all delicate trimming and iron fencing.
An obvious contrast presents itself when visitors wander towards the south side of the park. The ponds and lakes make an appearance. As do rock arrangements and Chinese style pavilions. There is a less controlled feel with nature allowed to take its own path. Bamboo plants and decades old trees are seen in abundance along winding pathways. The lotus pond is quite the hit in this area.
Perhaps not worth a solo trip but when tourists are in the French Concessions area, they can combine a visit here with Sinan Mansions, Xintiandi area or Huaihai shopping street. Will definitely rejuvenate and relax.
The closest metro station is the Xintiandi stop which visitors can get to through metro lines 10 and 13. A few steps west on Fuxing Middle road and viola, the south gate of the park appears! Entrance is free while the park opens at 06:00 and closes at 18:00 too. Morning times are the most appealing because visitors get to see the city waking up and the elderly and retired indulging while weekends bring a life of their own with more crowd and various clubs. The facilities are well-maintained and the grass; manicured with simply exquisite plants and flowers showcased according to the seasons.
French elements in the park are confined to the north and the middle area while the rest is the embodiment of Chinese gardening style.
Perhaps the most picturesque are the below ground level flower beds in a courtyard, a neat box of seasonal flowers which people can gaze upon as they walk past. The flower bed, a fountain and another larger flower bed are arranged in a west to east direction at the east boundary of the park. With the distinctly western Juhe culture center building with its’ glass windows looming in the background, the spot is one most favored for insta-moments.
In the northeast corner is a statue of Friedrich Engles standing side by side with Karl Marx which was erected to commemorate the 90th death anniversary of the former philosopher. The courtyard is a nice get together spot where kids and adults can play sports together.
The Rose Garden is another beauty with an oval garden and statue bearing pond in its center that is all delicate trimming and iron fencing.
An obvious contrast presents itself when visitors wander towards the south side of the park. The ponds and lakes make an appearance. As do rock arrangements and Chinese style pavilions. There is a less controlled feel with nature allowed to take its own path. Bamboo plants and decades old trees are seen in abundance along winding pathways. The lotus pond is quite the hit in this area.
Perhaps not worth a solo trip but when tourists are in the French Concessions area, they can combine a visit here with Sinan Mansions, Xintiandi area or Huaihai shopping street. Will definitely rejuvenate and relax.
