Running is a great way to explore a city. Whether you're a casual jogger or a serious runner, Shanghai has plenty of options to keep active.
Here are some of the popular running routes, from scenic riverfront paths to peaceful parks.
The Bund 外滩
This is an iconic tourist site in Shanghai, and a good spot for off-road running. The main running trail stretches for 1.6 kilometers along the Huangpu River, starting from Yan'an Road in the south and ending at Waibaidu Bridge in the north.
Since the area is bustling with tourists at night, it is recommended to go for a morning run to avoid the crowds and enjoy the serene beauty of this landmark.
The West Bund 西岸
Lupu Bridge 卢浦大桥 – Long Museum 龙美术馆 – Xuhui Riverside Park 徐汇滨江绿地 – West Bund Museum 西岸美术馆 – Tank Shanghai 油罐艺术中心 – Longyao Road Tunnel 龙耀路隧道
This route stretches for approximately 5 kilometers from the Lupu Bridge to Longyao Road Tunnel, offering beautiful views of the Huangpu River.
The path is frequented by runners and skateboarders alike, creating a dynamic scene that adds to the charm of this route. There is a running base near the Long Museum, a popular spot for jogging enthusiasts to gather to participate in various events and races.
There are service centers along the route, offering water, bag storage and shower facilities for free.
The East Bund 东外滩
Yangpu Bridge 杨浦大桥 – Oriental Pearl Park 东方明珠公园 – Nanpu Bridge 南浦大桥 – Mercedes Benz Arena 梅赛德斯奔驰文化中心 – Shanghai Expo Park 世博公园 – Houtan Park 后滩公园 – Qiantan Leisure Park 前滩休闲公园 – Xupu Bridge 徐浦大桥
There is a continuous path stretching 22 kilometers along the east bank of Huangpu River, dotted with 22 service stations every 1.2 kilometers. Tap water and lockers are provided for free at each station. Vending machines are also available for drinks.
The east side of the river is notably more peaceful than the bustling west bank and features picturesque natural scenery, making it an ideal setting for your daily run.
Suzhou Creek 苏州河
Gubei Road Bridge 古北路桥 – Zhongshan Park 中山公园 – East China University of Political Science and Law (Changning campus) 华东政法大学长宁校区 – Tian An 1000 Trees 天安千树 – Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial 四行仓库抗战纪念馆 – Shanghai Postal Museum 上海邮政博物馆 – Waibaidu Bridge 外白渡桥
Spanning around 18 kilometers, the route starts at the Gubei Road Bridge and extends all the way to the Huangpu River, following the Suzhou Creek and crossing several bridges.
Along the way, runners will have the opportunity to take in the city's iconic historical buildings.
Though service centers are limited, vending machines with drinks and refreshments can be found to help fuel and hydrate runners.
Note: You can start or finish at any point along the route if the full distance is too long for your liking.
Century Park 世纪公园
Located in the Pudong New Area, the park is a mecca for runners, bursting with captivating scenery. The running route around the park spans 5 kilometers .
Runners can also take advantage of amenities such as free package storage and locker rooms at the service center located at the Gate 3 of the park. Showers are available for a fee of 5 yuan (7 US cents) for 15 minutes.
Xuhui Central Green Corridor 徐汇中环绿廊
The Xuhui Central Green Corridor offers a serene 3.28-kilometer trail, surrounded by lush trees and flora.
The green corridor stretches from Meilong Road (梅陇路) in the south to Caobao Road (漕宝路) in the north, and Guijiang Road (桂江路) in the east to Middle Ring Road (中环路) in the west.
You will enjoy its scenic views and tranquil atmosphere when running here.
Changning Outer Ring Greenway 长宁外环生态绿道
With a total length of 6.25 kilometers, the Changning Outer Ring Greenway connects three parks: Airport Music Park, Skateboard Park and Hongqiao Sports Park.
It provides runners with an opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, weaving through 158 varieties of plants. Furthermore, there are several stations where you can rest and get drinks from vending machines.
The greenway can be accessed via three entrances, located at the intersection of Xianxia Road (仙霞西路) and Kele Road (可乐路), the intersection of Youle Road (友乐路) and Konggang No. 8 Road (空港八路), and Guangshun Road N. (广顺北路), respectively.
Dishui Lake 滴水湖
The running route is a scenic loop around Dishui Lake in Shanghai's Lingang area in Pudong, spanning approximately 8 kilometers.
As you run, you'll be treated to stunning views of the lake and surrounding greenery, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to combine a peaceful nature experience with a good workout.
Note: If you prefer group running, the "PlanHouse" WeChat mini-program can help you. PlanHouse is a social platform connecting people via offline lifestyle activities, including running, cycling, yoga and dancing. You can participate in various long and short distance running or plan group runs yourself.
