Lu Xun Park [Shanghai]

Also referred to as Hongkou Park and situated right next to Hongkou Football Stadium on the Pearl metro line, this is the best park to visit if you desire a taste of old Chinese culture.

Elderly residents provide an interesting spectacle as they practice traditional forms of exercise and leisurely activities. Especially before noon, the elderly are well-represented in the park. Every day, old-timers illustrate the old saying that the Chinese character is like that of the tramp and the little monkey. These folks like to play the day away, either under the guise of spiritual exercise such as tai chi and kung fu or by dancing the weariness out of each others' bones: A special style of outside ballroom dancing is very much in fashion; so is the choreographed waving of red fans (ladies) or swords (gents) to a sometimes seemingly impossibly slow tune.

Some play instruments, like the er hu or the chin, alone or in a small musical orchestra of friends. And, of course, there's the singing. If you're lucky, you'll cross paths with a withering nightingale, although, in my opinion, the appreciation of this kind of singing is an acquired taste; one I've yet to acquire.
Games of chance are always popular among the old generation in all the parks. However, since it's officially forbidden in the People's Republic, most old men just sit back and play cards, Chinese poker, mahjong or Chinese chess all day long, for one kuai per game. It seems that there has to be some money at stake, but the fun and the company are more important than the thrill of the game.

The Park's namesake, Lu Xun, is often called China's greatest modern writer. Although Lu was from Zhejiang province, he lived and wrote in Shanghai, and is buried in the park. A museum near the east entrance will tell you more about this intriguing personality.
Lu Xun Park is located at 146 Dongjiang Wan Lu, adjacent to the Line 3 (Pearl Line) Hongkou Stadium Metro station in Hongkou District. It is open seven days a week, from dawn to dusk.