Let's face it: Shanghai is a concrete jungle. With a population upwards of 20 million, it's really hard to just get piece of mind, a square meter to call your own for ten minutes or even just to enjoy reading a novel without someone reading over your shoulder. The city's increasingly tall buildings coupled with the smog can become dreary and depressing. With summer around the corner, the urge to get out of the city and get in touch with nature will be strong in most of us and luckily, the city has a lot to offer in this regard!

1) Chongming Island  崇明岛
Located on the estuary of the Yangtze River, Chongming Island is made up of flat terrain and has plenty of fertile soil and is abundant in resources, making it the ideal location for the cultivation of crops and breeding of fish. Chongming Island is known far and wide for its plentiful supply of hairy crabs in October and for being home to the largest man-made forest in eastern China, the Dongping Forest Park, which is breathtakingly serene.

It's a great place to take the kids to appreciate nature, picnic and take part in a host of outdoor activities. As previously mentioned, if you're there at the right time of year, you'll be able to gorge yourself with hairy crabs and if that's not quite your thing, charcoal stoves are available to rent at a cost of 30 RMB. There's a supermarket on-site for you to buy supplies, but you're also welcome to bring your own choice of meat to barbeque. Bikes are also available to rent at a cost of 10 RMB an hour or 50 RMB a day. Also, the island hosts an annual festival in September, the Dongping Forest Festival, a 40 day feast of musical, culinary and cultural delights.  It's recommended that one visits on the weekend or during holidays.

Dongping National strong Forest Park 东平国家森林公园
Tel: 6155 4800
Price: 70 RMB per person
strong>Opening hours: 8:30 – 16:30
Website: www.dpslpark.com
Getting there: At Zhongshan Nan Lu and Gonghexin Lu, take the Line 1 Shenchong bus all the way to Chongming Nan Men. Then take the Nandong Xian or Nanjiangxian buses, both of which will take you to the park.

Alternatively, contact the Shanghai Sightseeing Bus Centre (2409 5555) for more info on the host of group sightseeing options available.

2) Zhujiajiao  朱家角
If you're in the mood to stop the hands of time for a day, head out to Zhujiajiao in Qingpu District, where things are much slower than in the city, the people are more chilled out and the air much better! Formed about 1,700 years ago, Zhujiajiao was a key trading hub for the surrounding area. It is said that many of the older traditional buildings date back to the Ming and Qing dynasties. The easiest way to explore the town is by hopping onto a boat that will take you through the small canals and under the bridges – 36 in all. The people are friendly, the vibe relaxed and makes it easier to acquaint oneself with the local culture. The main part of the town is quiet touristy but still fun to explore and best of all, there are plenty of gift options available for those at home. 

Getting there: The cheapest way to get is by taking a bus at the bus station at Pu'an Lu near People's Square. Take the bus called Huzhu Gaoxu Kuaixian (沪朱高速快线). The journey is about one hour and Zhujiajiao is the final stop. The last bus back to the city is at 9pm.

Zhujiajiaos ightseeing tours: 6426 5555

3) Jiangwan Town Wetland  江湾湿地
Unexpectedly tucked away in Yangpu District, this is a gem of a wetland. Having recovered from its earlier days as home to Jiangwan Airport, this wetland has recovered in a way that has startled experts. This natural landscape in which flowers, trees and grass grow freely is a slice of heaven given the hustle and bustle of the district that it's situated in. The area had been closed off for years, allowing nature to take its course in that breathtaking way it usually does and the area now has become a complete ecological structure.

In this age of rapid urbanisation, you don't have to be an ecology buff to know just how special this place is. The area has become home to nearly 40 species of birds which cannot be found in most parts of the city (not the kind that get walked by their owners in cages, mind you), 280 wild plant species and almost 40 freshwater plants. This is a great oasis in the city for avid birdwatchers, environmental enthusiasts and even nature lovers who just need a quick escape from the constant grind of the city.

Getting there: You can get there by taking Metro Line 10 all the way to Xinjiang Wancheng; any exit will lead you to the wetland.

4) Jinshan City BeachView In Map

Image source: http://en.jsq.sh.gov.cn

Shanghai is right by the ocean, but it's not much of a "beachy" city, which really sucks when one is dealing with that wall of heat that creeps up on the city in the thick of summer. Luckily, Jinshan District has a popular man-made alternative where you can play beach sports and indulge your inner child with the amusement park rides. Once you've worked up enough of a hunger, there's plenty of seafood and street food to pick from – all you have to do is pick a spot and enjoy watching the sun set with a cold one in your hand.

Add: 5 Xincheng Lu, near Huhang highway,Shihua Town, Jinshan District, Shanghai
地址：上海市金山区石化镇新城路5号(近沪杭公路)
Tel: 021 5793 6507
Price: Free
Website: www.jsbol.com
Getting there: Take Metro Line 1 to Jinjiang Park Station, walk to the Southwest Bus Station, take the Shimei Line or Weimei Line to Shihua Automobile Station. Take a 15 minute taxi from from Shihua Automobile Station to City Beach.

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Keywords: Nature escapes Shanghai