Located on the Yangtze River Delta in East China, Shanghai is among the world’s most populous cities. It is also a major financial center and transport hub that has undergone significant redevelopment since the 1990s. It is enowned for its Lujiazui skyline, and museums and historic buildings, such as those along The Bund, as well as the City God Temple and the Yu Garden.
The best spots for running in Shanghai are in some of the parks and along some of the promenades and pedestrian paths that have been developed. Our highlights include The Bund, the Xuhui Riverside Open Space, Century Park, and World Expo Park in Pudong. Finding a good spot to run outdoors in Shanghai can be a challenge. There is intense car and people traffic, and pollution can be an issue as well. However, there are many roads with wide sidewalks. And a great transport system makes it easy to get to a favorite spot.
Downtown Shanghai is bisected by the Huangpu River. Remnants of the old part of the city are on the western side of the river, inside of Renmin Rd. The central financial district Lujiazui has grown up on the east bank of the Huangpu (Pudong). The city’s topography is generally flat.
Public transport in Shanghai is a necessity and is fantastic, with metro, light rail, and buses. All of our routes are easily accessible via the Shanghai Metro System, which has 364 stations. And for those in Boston who run to beat the ‘Green Line’, try the Maglev train, which goes 268 mph!
**Many thanks to Martin Nexo of RunnersHai, who suggested several routes in Shanghai.**
Shanghai has a humid, subtropical climate, similar to that of Washington, D.C. Winters are chilly and damp, with average January highs in the 40s (8C), and low temps just above freezing. Snowfall is rare, maybe once or twice a season. Summers are hot and humid, with average highs near 90F (32C), and nights that stay in the high 70s (28C). Be sure to plan and hydrate accordingly. Summer thunderstorms and downpours can be frequent. Autumn is the most pleasant season: warm, sunny, and dry.