Fuxing Park is one of several scattered around Shanghai providing respite in this throbbing metropolis. Built by the French during the colonial era, it has the usual Parisian features like sycamore-lined walkways, placid ponds and colourful flower beds, augmented by typical Chinese garden features like rockeries and willows. Located in the Luwan District, it has several entrances, the main one on Fuxing Zhong Lu. Here’s a place to observe the locals in their natural habitat doing their recreation thing. Come weekends, there are more than the usual family strolling with children, joggers, or elderly folk swaying to tai qi. Throughout the day, young and old cha cha, tango and waltz, or hip-hop and pop to the blare of their boomboxes, while cultural groups belt out Chinese opera arias, recite Tang poetry or sing folk and classical numbers, accompanied by live ensemble. All in all a rewarding day for spectators and performers alike. Feeding carp in a pond while a crowd gathers in t...