Running in Chinese Cities

I spent part of the day running around Shanghai, trying to become more familiar with the city. Sure, I could have done that by taking the bus, or the subway, but there really is no better way to get to know a place other than having your own two feet cross through it. Basically, from Xujiahui, I tried to get to the People's Square, which was only a few kilometers away. However, on the way, as it tends to happen when you don't know a place well, I got lost and ended up in Jing An Temple first before circling back over to People's Square.

Running in China, especially in the city, is quite an interesting experience. The issue is there isn't much of a running culture in China yet, and so there isn't much room to run on sidewalks that are overcrowded with people. The best place, in fact, is right on the road, in the lanes intended for bicycles, motorized bikes, and motorcycles. I enjoy running about as fast (or faster) than the cyclists, who often turn their head in surprise to see a pedestrian beat them on the road. In fact, in some places where traffic is really bad, running will get you thru places as fast or even faster than cars.

Pictures from the run:

Near Jing An Temple is a very nice garden area, which is good for getting away from the city. Some couples, elderly folks, and families with children spend a rare idle afternoon here:

Jin An Temple amid the traffic:

Nanjing East Road, close to People's Square (not sure who that random person with outstretched arms is):

Shanghai is better for runners than Beijing, as running by the road in Beijing tends to result in high smog consumption and a scorched throat. Back in Beijing, I spent an afternoon once running to (and within) Chaoyang Park, but was so discouraged by the air pollution that I never got around to doing it again. And this was while the Olympics were still in town.