RUNNING SHANGHAI

The best, toughest and the most beautiful running routes in Shanghai

When I arrived to teach in Shanghai, I made it my mission to find alternative places to run, as the streets can get very busy here and no one enjoys stopping at a flashlight when they're in the groove. I found a couple of great running places and fun fit communities. I'd like to let you in on the best, the toughest and the most beautiful running routes in Shanghai.

Nearest metro stops: Top: East Nanjing Road, Line 2

Mid-point: Middle Longhua Road, Line 7

Distances: +/- 20km

Run the Bund. One of the most popular places in the city to run is the West Bund running track. You can start at the bund scenic spot and run down along the water's edge to where the synthetic track begins from Nanpu Bridge. From there you can keep going all the way to Xupu Bridge.

The ‘Runners Hub', located in the Greenland shopping mall near metro exit 5 of Middle Longhua, is a great place to drop bags off before running, with lockers to store your belongings and a great community to support your training goals or just provide some good company to run with on most nights.

There is also a climbing wall and vending machines all the way along the track in case you need to quench your thirst, which is likely during the humid summer.

The view along the river is great, the tartan track is mostly flat and easy on the knees and there are always a couple of runners to cheer ‘jiayou'!

Nearest metro stops: Top: Lujiazui, Line 2

Mid-point: Shibo Avenue, Line 13

Distances: +/- 20km

The East side of the river is generally quieter than the West side, but don't think it isn't interesting! It may not have the iconic Shanghai landscape but you will find beautiful little gardens along your run.

The route is mostly tartan track and is more undulating than the West. Starting from near the EF CCC offices at the Pudong Avenue metro stop, the track follows the river until you reach Xupu Bridge. Taking the Ferry across to the West Bund running track is a great way to lengthen your run.

Nearest metro stop: Changping, Line 7, Exit 5

Distance: 400m track.

This track is open from 5 am until 11 pm (unless booked for school events). It is an awesome track and it also has a pull-up bar area. You will rarely be alone running there due to its popularity with the locals for walking, running, or even doing Tai-chi on the large field inside the track.

Nearest metro stop: Jiaotong University, Line 11

Distance: 400m track.

Jiaotong University has a great tartan track and there are often free fit classes held here. You can look into the ‘FitFam' or ‘Urban Tigers' group (see below). They offer High-Intensity training at Jiaotong University, I would highly recommend their track session on Saturdays. It's really a great place to build up a fit community and make friends.

Nearest metro stop: Sheshan, Line 9

Sheshan holds the highest point in Shanghai and although it is not the highest mountain you're ever going to climb it has stairs that really pump up the heart rate. Also, there are beautiful hidden trails with bamboo forests, you'll forget you're in the busy Shanghai completely.

There are many fitness groups in Shanghai and they all offer various training sessions. These are the few I used as they were convenient for me and worked with my schedule, but you need to find what's best for you.

Runnershai - a running club that organizes group runs and day trips.

Fitfam - a free fitness community. No equipment, no experience needed. You can use the mini program on WeChat and register for a workout near you.

Urban Tigers – do track sessions on Saturday mornings at Jiaotong University.