Shanghai through expat eyes: Finding serenity in Taopu's TOP Central Park

english.shanghai.gov.cn| December 09, 2025

[Video/Taopu town government]

The "My TOP Moment" video series was recently released, offering a first-person exploration of Shanghai's new urban innovations.

The first episode focuses on TOP Central Park in Taopu, located in Shanghai's Putuo district, with Omar Haiam, a Moroccan national living in Shanghai, serving as the guide. He uncovers the harmonious coexistence of nature and city life.

Once an industrial area, Taopu has been transformed into a modern hub of efficiency, beauty and livability.

At dawn, aerial views reveal the TOP Central Park's lush greenery, a serene emerald amidst the cityscape. Visitors are greeted by a vibrant atmosphere: joggers exchange smiles, families bond, and children's laughter fills the air, all set against a backdrop of lakes, trails and lawns.

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​TOP Central Park. [Photo/Taopu town government]

Beyond its scenic beauty, the park hosts dynamic events like an RV music festival, featuring food, fun, and music.

Nearby, the Guojin Sports Center shifts the scene to high-energy sports, featuring hockey, fencing, and basketball. The Olympic-standard ice rink offers a thrilling escape, with skating providing a sense of freedom and exhilaration.

The park also offers a cultural journey through time with the "Exploring Dunhuang on Dunhuang Road" XR exhibition, immersing visitors in the ancient murals of Mogao Grottoes via cutting-edge technology.

As night falls, a drone show illuminates the sky, leaving spectators in awe. Omar concludes that this park is a "recharge station" for city dwellers, reconnecting them with nature and revealing Shanghai's serene and beautiful landscape.

 

Source: WeChat account of Taopu town government at "putuotaopu"