Shanghai, dedicated to become a "city of parks", is set to complete 1,000 parks in total by 2025. [Photo/thepaper.cn]

Parks in Shanghai have emerged as the new favorite leisure destinations for the city's young population. The search volume for park-related videos on the social media app Xiaohongshu has skyrocketed year-on-year by a staggering 685 percent.

Among the most popular parks on the popular platform is the Shanghai Gongqing National Forest Park, with a single post amassing an impressive 43,000 likes. Flowers have become the dominant topic related to the park, which has designed many of its flower gardens to mirror famous world paintings. From the Monet Garden and the Sea of Poppies, to the Flower Waterfall and the Midsummer Park, the park is the perfect place for people who want that perfect Instagram-worthy moment.

Other parks across the city have also followed suit, with Rose Island and the Sea of Sunflowers at the Chenshan Botanical Garden in Songjiang district; the cherry blossoms at the Gucun Park in Baoshan district; and the sea of tulips in the Daning Park in downtown Jing'an district, all becoming favorites among young visitors.

Shanghai World Expo Culture Park has also become a popular destination in the city. Despite some attractions that have not been opened to the public yet, like the Twin Hills and the Starlight Lawn, the park's vast lakeside lawn has earned it the title of "Shanghai's Altay", comparing it to the picturesque prefecture in Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region. Other parks winning over visitors with their expansive lawns include Daning Park, Xinhongqiao Central Park in Changning district, and Century Park in Pudong New Area.

Fengxian district, boasting 15 pet-friendly parks, has become a paradise for pet owners. Baoshan district is a haven for kite enthusiasts, with nine parks designated for kite flying. Nearly every district in the city has parks with designated camping areas in which visitors can pitch tents. Minhang district has emerged as a camping hotspot with 15 parks offering camping facilities, closely followed by Pudong New Area with 11 camping-friendly parks.

Unlike older generations, who like to visit parks to catch up with friends, young people primarily seek parks for strolling and relaxation purposes, valuing the natural environment, said an expert from Tongji University's School of Architecture and Urban Planning.

Shanghai is dedicated to transforming into a "city of parks" and aims to complete 1,000 parks, including urban parks and pocket parks, by 2025. As of the end of last year, Shanghai saw its total number of parks rise to 832, underscoring its commitment to providing green spaces for its urban residents.

Source: thepaper.cn