Century Park on a Budget: My Day Outdoors in Shanghai

#shanghaionbudget

Located in Pudong at 1001 Jinxiu Road (near Metro Line 2 + Century Park Station), Century Park offers an affordable, refreshing escape amid urban Shanghai .

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🌳 Entry & Hours
• Fee: Around ¥10 per entry (often waived for children <1.2m or seniors 70+)
• Opening hours: 7 AM–6 PM (spring–autumn); 7 AM–5 PM (winter)

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🚶♂️ Free & Low-Cost Highlights
• Mirror Lake: A calm, artificial lake perfect for a scenic stroll. Boats are available (≈¥100/hr) .
• Forest Walks & Lawns: Ideal for picnics, jogging, or lying on the grass .
• Bird Island & Nature Reserve: Spot magpies, migratory birds, and local wildlife .
• Sculpture Wall & Exotic Zone: Free public art featuring Asian-Pacific animals and a replica Olmec head .
• Outdoor Music Square: A large open-air amphitheater—catch free performances on weekends .

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💡 On-a-Budget Tips
• Stick to walking—most of the park is enjoyable on foot.
• Skip ride attractions unless you want boating (~¥100/hr) or pedal-boat rentals (¥60+ per hour) .
• Avoid weekends—some areas (bird reserve, rides) get busy and pricier .
• Bring snacks: Lined cafés are pricey; better to pack your own. Outside food is allowed but feeding wildlife requires buying food (~¥5) .

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🧭 Local Opinions
• One Redditor called Century Park “the best birding spot in Shanghai,” spotting over 30 species, including hoopoes and kingfishers .
• Visitors love its natural calm: “When you get tired of the hum and hustle take a break… You will forget where you are for a few moments” .

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🕒 Suggested Itinerary (~2–3 hrs)
1. Enter via Metro (Line 2, Century Park station Exit 1)
2. Walk the lakeside boardwalk around Mirror Lake
3. Pause at the Sculpture Wall and enjoy Bird Island views
4. Relax on the lawns or explore trails toward Forest Landscape
5. End with a café stop or light snack in the Folk Village area

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✅ Final Verdict

For just ¥10, Century Park is Shanghai’s largest green oasis—ideal for a budget-friendly break with nature, art, and wildlife. It’s a peaceful contrast to the city’s buzz and a favorite among locals and expats alike.