Finding a quiet, private place in Shanghai has its challenges, and Fuxing Park, located in the Luwan district, is neither quiet nor private. Yet the variety of activities and the ambience make it a green retreat unlike any other in the city.
Instead of finding groups of local seniors gently doing their tai chi, large throngs of people practise the foxtrot and quickstep. They fill the pathways with their well-rehearsed dance routines as they move skilfully, en masse, to each ballroom melody. In the absence of a dance partner, one old man grasps a wooden chair. But this is not a tacky tourist show, it's exercise - and it's fun.
Deeper in the park, there's another striking impromptu performance: a woman leads a group of 30 choristers in rousing song. Their vocals are loud and harmonious as they sing to the accompaniment of two accordion players. They're far enough away from the ballroom dancers not to interfere and close enough for a group of locals sitting in the park to enjoy. Their performance is passionate as they belt out aria after aria in Putonghua.
A large pond is ringed by several hopeful anglers. The older men are there to catch a fish or two while the young boys are looking for tadpoles.
At the eastern end of the park, a group of people are talking animatedly. Some have signs hanging from their necks while others have placed their signs on benches, using them as makeshift meeting places.
'They're trading,' a young man explains to me. 'She's advertising for a partner for her daughter,' he says, pointing to a woman wearing a grey overcoat.