Top Spots in Aug: Stand-up Paddling in a Garden?!

August in Shanghai means one thing - heat. If you're into water sports like kayaking and stand-up paddling, and if you're looking for some very unique and less crowded waterway to kayak or SUP - this article is just for you.

Introducing...Shanghai Hanxiang Water Garden (韩湘水博园)! Just a 50-minute drive/taxi ride from downtown Shanghai, this water garden is unlike any other water sport location. 

It's an open-air Chinese garden designed around water, featuring nearly 50 bridges - some historic, some newly built in traditional styles - along with lush trees, expansive lawns, and classical pavilions. Gliding through its waterways feels like paddling in a living Suzhou-style garden.

Once you enter the park, simply follow the signs for "Boating Base"(水上游乐). That’s where you'll find kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals. The staff will guide you to a wide, calm area of water - perfect for warming up, practicing your balance, and getting comfortable with turning and paddling.

One of the best things about paddling here is the water quality. The waterways are part of a reservoir system within a protected water zone, which means the water is carefully monitored. You don't have to worry about pollution conditions - the water is clean, calm, and ideal for beginners paddlers.

After that, you can venture deeper into the garden through winding canals and rivers. The waterways take you under dozens of bridges, each with its own character. Some are tall enough for you to paddle through standing upright, while others are so low that you'll need to kneel to pass. It adds an element of fun and surprise to the journey.

What makes this place special is not just its scenery, but also its peacefulness. Unlike other water sports spots that can feel crowded and noisy, here you often have the water all to yourself. That means you can take photos without strangers in the background and truly enjoy the sense of calm and escape.

All that exercise is bound to work up an appetite. Luckily, just at the entrance of the park, there's a restaurant known for its boiled lamb dish (白切羊肉) - a seasonal favorite among locals in summer. Served with a refreshing dipping sauce, it's the perfect reward after a morning of paddling.

Practical Tips

• Tickets & Rentals: Both the entrance ticket (RMB 36 p.p.) and rental fee (RMB 98 p.p.) can be purchased at the park gate

• Best Time to Visit: Mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid the strongest sun

• DOG-FRIENDLY YAY! You can bring your furry friends on your paddleboard

• The closest metro stop is still ~10 km away from the park, so driving is definitely the most convenient option

Hanxiang Water Garden (韩湘水博园)

Address in English: No. 3805,Jiangchuan Road, Minhang District

Address in Chinese: 闵行区江川路3805号

Hours: 08:00 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)