Shanghai travelers enjoy a creative getaway on the waterfront

Runners can quench their thirst. Pedestrians may experience leg fatigue. Tourists may also need to stop for a snack and to use the restroom. no problem! Shanghai

The city has borrowed ancient Chinese concepts to improve popular public walking paths along the Huangpu and Suzhou rivers.

During the early years of the Chinese dynasty, transit stations were established to serve traveling couriers and government officials. The so-called Yijiang was the basis of postal and communication networks.

Along the famous Silk Road, caravanserais provided comfort and convenience to travelers.

The ancient concept has been reinvented as a multi-functional riverside recreation area with amenities such as a cozy café, reading nook, emergency area and fitness center.

“These stations are designed not only to be convenient, but also to improve the quality of life for residents and tourists,” says the company behind the unique design of the first station, located along Wencaobang, a tributary of the Huangpu River, architect Jin Jianbo said. on a Mobius strip.

The roadside is part of the city’s One River, One Creek waterfront project, which began about a decade ago. The project created a continuous series of riverside walks, greenways and scenic viewpoints stretching 45 kilometers along the banks of the Huangpu River and 42 kilometers in the Suzhou River urban area.

Currently, about 90 stations have been added to the line Shanghai .

The 22 gas stations on the east bank of the river in Pudong embody functional diversity and aesthetic appeal Shanghai. The stations are located approximately 1 km apart and are equipped with amenities such as a library, public toilets, restrooms, vending machines, umbrella stands and an ambulance.

By the end of the year, two newly built stations along the 1.4-kilometre Wen Cao Bang River embankment will open, offering seating areas, scenic views and freshly ground coffee.

The second Baoshan station is dedicated to sports themes and low-carbon environment. Solar panels on the top layer allow the building to generate 80 kilowatt-hours of electricity each day, ensuring self-sufficiency on sunny days.

Wangjiangyi Station in Pudong consists of two sections. There are enclosed public restrooms on one side and an open living area with reading shelves, tables, chairs and other seating facilities on the other.

The design resembles a wooden pavilion with elegant cornices and a slightly raised roof, setting it apart from the rugged landscape of surrounding glass, Shanghai steel and concrete structures.

These stations are an integral part of the experience for residents and visitors who enjoy the public route along the river.

“It’s not just the scenery that’s important, it’s the experience – coffee, books, a sense of community – that’s important,” said Xu Wei, who frequents Wangjiangyi No. 14 Station, which overlooks redwood trees and Lake Hotan. Park on the territory of the 2010 World Expo.

“It feels like you are Shanghai by nature. It’s a feeling that’s not easy to get in the city,” he said.

Runner Fang Wenhui noted that free water, sports drinks, toilets, first aid kits and storage lockers at coastal stations are essential for runners and cyclists.

“It’s important for runners to stay hydrated, but carrying too much water can be a hassle,” says Huang.

The stations are catalysts for commercial and social activity. For example, Wuning Luqiao Station is not only equipped with all the necessary equipment, but also has a cafe and exhibition space.

“This is a smart use of urban space, combining practicality with relaxation and promoting a sense of community,” said the owner of a local cafe Shanghai.

On weekends, the musician teaches people how to play drums and other instruments, and his cafe attracts more customers.

Wangjiangyi No. 3 Recreation Area, known as “The Meeting”, has been a cultural center since 2018, hosting media interviews and cultural talks against the backdrop of the cityscape.

Chen Jue, chairman of the Pudong Xinjiayuan Public Administration Center, a non-profit public organization, said: “Our interviews attracted curious glances from people looking out of the windows outside.” “The space here and the interview style create a special feeling of intimacy.”

Expats and visitors to Shanghai have taken to social media to express their admiration for the city’s river terminal.

“The Shanghai River Station is more than just a rest stop. It is ideal for people who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I love the combination of nature and modernity here,” one expat tweeted.

Another person shared their thoughts on Instagram: “I found this gem of a place on the banks of a mountain stream in Suzhou. It’s the perfect combination of tranquility and urban atmosphere.”

Similar public road stations exist abroad, for example in the German state of Thuringia, which combines amenities for motorists with an exhibition of nearby Bronze Age tombs.

In California, the Riverside Transit Authority offers service stops that include free Wi-Fi on some routes and partners with educational institutions to transport students.

Compared to similar facilities around the world, Shanghai Railway Station is distinguished by its versatility and aesthetic integrity. According to the city’s River and Stream Development Authority, they preserve the city’s cultural heritage while providing modern amenities.

Jiang Zehao uses his backpack as a makeshift pillow and sleeps at Suping Station, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, on the banks of the Suzhou River.

“I just came to Shanghai from my hometown and was looking for a job,” Jiang said. “Sleeping here saves money. It’s nice here and I feel safe here.”

Luckily, he said, he found a job that provides him with food and shelter, so he plans to say goodbye to his temporary “bedroom.”

In early March, a committee was established to advise on the development of these coastal areas in Shanghai. The 17 members include experts in areas such as urban planning, economics and tourism development.

According to the company, they will present the history of the Suzhou River Bridge, develop a family themed river route, incorporate historical elements and urban archeology into existing stations, etc. The company is helping plan the next steps in development. .

A bureau spokesman said: “We are also looking at the possibility of converting these stations into digital connectivity centres.”