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This article is part of Wellbeing, SmartShanghai's column dedicated to the healthier aspects of Shanghai city life.
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[Wellbeing] Outdoor Activities
Suggestions for swimming, sliding, biking... - By Lauren Jane, Jun 24, 08
Summer is finally here (sort of) and I'm guessing some of you, like me, are dying to get involved in some new activities that don't always include hanging out at a bar (or let's just say in addition to the bar life). Don't get me wrong -- I love a good party, but I'm also totally down with getting some "fresh" air and exercise too.
Here's a few ideas of what you can do this summer to get those endorphins pumping...
Dino Beach:
Just call it the Alabama of China. Thirty minutes from Shanghai, Dino Beach boasts 30 waterslides, a river to float down, a beach, Asia's largest wave pool, and all the fried fast food you could ever want. Like all great things in life, an awesome ride down a slide requires patience and standing in a line with dozens (or possibly hundreds) of other thrill-seekers. You'll probably want to hit up Dino on a weekday to avoid crowds. What? You have to work? Call in. Jeez.
If plastic burns on your rump aren't your style, check out hot babes at Dino's Beach Honey contest. This annual beauty pageant pulls in girls from all over the country competing for more than 400,000rmb in cash and prizes. As you might imagine, these are some classy, cultured ladies. For further reading, please consult SmartShanghai's BonBon Beach Honey article here. The Beach Honey Grand Finale is scheduled for August 16th at Dino Beach. Mark your calendars.
Running/Walking/Drinking:
What's this? Physical activity that includes socializing and drinking? Take me there please. The Drunken Dragon Hash House Harriers hosts an event for "drinkers with a running problem." Clever. Founded by people with nicknames such as "Nipple Blower" and "Princess of the Sloths," the group organizes bi-monthly (two times a month) runs in the countryside with food and cold beer in hand. Runners and walkers alike are welcome, and various trail lengths are available to accommodate different needs. Click here for more information and how to join in.
Biking:
Shanghai is a city with some serious bikers, and while the cycling crew welcomes newcomers into the fold, this isn't a "drinkers with a biking problem" sort of deal. There are several clubs that organize day trips, biking and camping trips, and even races.
SISU Cycling Club was founded by a group of expats in 2003. They arrange weekly cycling routes around Shanghai that range from 25km to 100km, and also have "escape" packages for small groups. These getaways to scenic parts of China are organized for groups of six or more with an agenda determined according to the needs of the group. Past trips include excursions to Chongming Island, Qingyang, and Beijing. Bikes and all necessary equipment included.
Prodigy Mountain Biking Club also organizes day and overnight biking trips. Recently they biked the East Mountain in Suzhou and last weekend traveled to Qingdao's Thousand Islands Lake for an overnight biking trip via charter bus. The package includes transportation, accommodation and meals. Don't let their name intimidate you -- if you can bike you can join. Check out the website to find out what's coming up next.
Bohdi Bikes Mountain Club organizes relatively low-impact day trips in Sheshan. 250rmb gets you round-trip transportation to Sheshan, a sandwich, bottle of water, an English-speaking tour guide, bike and helmet. The trip departs at 10am and finishes around 4pm covering approximately 25-30km.
And speaking of Sheshan:
If you're keen for the outdoors but are more in the mood to relax with a good walk, try a 45-minute trek out to Le Meridien Hotel in Sheshan for the day (45mins west of the Hongqiao airport, past Qibao, or 4th last stop on Line 9). Once you've completed the "trek," reward yourself with 248rmb Sunday brunch that includes wine and beer. That brunch price tag also gets you admitted to the gym and outdoor pool. Should restlessness ensue, Sheshan is rife with scenic, mild hiking.
Here's a few ideas of what you can do this summer to get those endorphins pumping...
Dino Beach:
Just call it the Alabama of China. Thirty minutes from Shanghai, Dino Beach boasts 30 waterslides, a river to float down, a beach, Asia's largest wave pool, and all the fried fast food you could ever want. Like all great things in life, an awesome ride down a slide requires patience and standing in a line with dozens (or possibly hundreds) of other thrill-seekers. You'll probably want to hit up Dino on a weekday to avoid crowds. What? You have to work? Call in. Jeez.
If plastic burns on your rump aren't your style, check out hot babes at Dino's Beach Honey contest. This annual beauty pageant pulls in girls from all over the country competing for more than 400,000rmb in cash and prizes. As you might imagine, these are some classy, cultured ladies. For further reading, please consult SmartShanghai's BonBon Beach Honey article here. The Beach Honey Grand Finale is scheduled for August 16th at Dino Beach. Mark your calendars.
Running/Walking/Drinking:
What's this? Physical activity that includes socializing and drinking? Take me there please. The Drunken Dragon Hash House Harriers hosts an event for "drinkers with a running problem." Clever. Founded by people with nicknames such as "Nipple Blower" and "Princess of the Sloths," the group organizes bi-monthly (two times a month) runs in the countryside with food and cold beer in hand. Runners and walkers alike are welcome, and various trail lengths are available to accommodate different needs. Click here for more information and how to join in.
Biking:
Shanghai is a city with some serious bikers, and while the cycling crew welcomes newcomers into the fold, this isn't a "drinkers with a biking problem" sort of deal. There are several clubs that organize day trips, biking and camping trips, and even races.
SISU Cycling Club was founded by a group of expats in 2003. They arrange weekly cycling routes around Shanghai that range from 25km to 100km, and also have "escape" packages for small groups. These getaways to scenic parts of China are organized for groups of six or more with an agenda determined according to the needs of the group. Past trips include excursions to Chongming Island, Qingyang, and Beijing. Bikes and all necessary equipment included.
Prodigy Mountain Biking Club also organizes day and overnight biking trips. Recently they biked the East Mountain in Suzhou and last weekend traveled to Qingdao's Thousand Islands Lake for an overnight biking trip via charter bus. The package includes transportation, accommodation and meals. Don't let their name intimidate you -- if you can bike you can join. Check out the website to find out what's coming up next.
Bohdi Bikes Mountain Club organizes relatively low-impact day trips in Sheshan. 250rmb gets you round-trip transportation to Sheshan, a sandwich, bottle of water, an English-speaking tour guide, bike and helmet. The trip departs at 10am and finishes around 4pm covering approximately 25-30km.
And speaking of Sheshan:
If you're keen for the outdoors but are more in the mood to relax with a good walk, try a 45-minute trek out to Le Meridien Hotel in Sheshan for the day (45mins west of the Hongqiao airport, past Qibao, or 4th last stop on Line 9). Once you've completed the "trek," reward yourself with 248rmb Sunday brunch that includes wine and beer. That brunch price tag also gets you admitted to the gym and outdoor pool. Should restlessness ensue, Sheshan is rife with scenic, mild hiking.
Beijing Begins!
- How China went from Olympics outcasts to hyped hosts
- the worst olympics athletes ever
- China's Californian Boxing Guru
- The Stars of 'Aida', Sir Elton's Rock Opera
- Aug 11 » The Right Fit
- Jul 28 » New in Town?
- Jul 11 » Cheatin' Hearts
- Apr 26 » Get Your Hair Did
- Mar 26 » Strappin' One On
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