A Stroll Through Shanghai’s Minhang Sports Park, Songjiang Fangta Park, and Zui Bai Chi Park

We walked around the lake along the walking path, strolling and taking pictures, but did not cover the entire park, and did not go to the Tropical Storm area. After strolling until about four in the afternoon, we went to Qibao Old Street, where we tasted the old flavors – Begonia Cake and Oil Stewed Pork, and bought some Qibao Mutton and Pine Cake to take home.

Due to the epidemic prevention and control requirements, we reserved tickets for Fangta Park on the evening of May 2nd. On the morning of the 3rd, my daughter drove, and the three of us went to Songjiang Fangta Park for a visit. The journey took an hour, and upon arrival at the parking lot, we had to enter from the north gate since only the north gate was open for entry and exit, so we detoured from the east gate to the north gate.

The temperature in May had already reached over 30 degrees, which was the rhythm of summer. We were slightly sweating by the time we reached the north gate. After checking the reservation code and having our temperature taken, we entered.

I haven’t visited this park for nearly 30 years, and my memory only retains the image of a square pagoda. Returning, there is a sense of freshness. The park is small and exquisite, with artificial hills, bamboo forests, pavilions, towers, bridges over flowing water, blooming flowers within the garden, and small boats drifting on the lake, creating a peaceful atmosphere.

The square pagoda in the park was originally part of Xingguo Changshou Temple, which was converted from a residence during the second year of Qianyou in the Later Han Dynasty of the Five Dynasties (949 AD). It was renamed Xingsheng Jiao Temple during the Dazhong Xiangxiang period of the Song Dynasty (1008-1016 AD), and the temple pagoda (commonly known as the square pagoda) was built between the Xining and Yuanyou years of the Song Dynasty (1068-1093 AD).

According to research, this site was located at the center of Huating County during the Tang and Song dynasties. Many Tang and Song artifacts were found about two meters underground, along with remnants of the Tang Dynasty’s east-west-oriented market river and part of its retaining walls. The temple was destroyed in the Yuan Dynasty, but the pagoda remained.