Shanghai Daily News

The development of Chongming Island is set to play a major role in expanding Shanghai's recreational facilities. But that is in the years to come. In its current state, China's third largest island is a natural, peaceful environment that provides a quick escape for city dwellers looking for more tranquil surroundings.

Of the islands scattered off China's lengthy coastline, neighboring Chongming is the third largest in the country after Taiwan and Hainan. With an area of more than 1,000 square kilometers, this tranquil island remains very much an old village lifestyle and ideal for those who long for a taste of a life that is slower and more in touch with nature.

The major attraction of Chongming County is that there is so much to enjoy, whatever the weather may be. A barbecue beside the beach, hiking in the woods, wandering through the plum blossom garden, grass skiing and fishing - all are possible here. It truly is a veritable summer retreat. Here is a few suggestions of things to see and do.

Grass skiing

Downhill adventure awaits in Dongping National Forest Park in a sport that originally appeared in the mid-1980s as a training method for alpine skiers during the off season. Just like regular skiing, but without the snow, grass skiing is possible with the aid of declining terrain, ski poles and skis.

Beginners can try this exciting sport on a 10,000-square-meter grassy area in the park, the largest in the Yangtze River Delta region, under the guidance of professional coaches. For only 30 yuan (US$3.75) for 30 minutes, the park provides a helmet, poles, skis and knee pads. The course also features jumps for experienced skiers.

Address: Nanming Harbor (north Chongming County)

Tel: 5933-8028

Website: 

www.dplspark.com

Price: Entrance to the park is 40 yuan for adults and 15 yuan for children under 1.2 meters. Pensioners over 70 free.

Poolside barbecue

As sports activities take up a lot of energy, the poolside barbecue area is an ideal place to recharge and have something to eat. Conveniently, a supermarket with all the BBQ essentials is located next to this area. If enjoying a meal while sunbathing is more your style, bring your own food to the forest beach next to the barbecue center.

Average price: 30 yuan a person

Rock climbing

Widely regarded as a test of one's self, rock climbing combines challenge with adventure amidst a splendid background of tall, green trees. The Chongming rock climbing center pioneered this budding sport in Shanghai as it was here that the city's first outdoor rock climbing center was built. Highlighting the facility is an international standard artificial wall that is 14 meters tall and eight meters wide.

Tips: A bicycle hire center located at the entrance to the park charges 10 yuan an hour for rentals to tour around. Horse carriages that can carry up to six persons are also available. The cost is 20 yuan a person.

Yiqinyuan Holiday Village

Located opposite the forest park, this holiday village sits beside a secluded lake that provides an ideal escape from city life. The facility features 11 wooden cabins with air-conditioning and other modern appliances and is large and comfortable. The setting is spectacular as the dwellings sit right in the forest with 10-meter dawn redwoods (which make up 90 percent of the Chongming trees) towering above.

Tel: 5933-8800

Price: 580 yuan per night

Tips: Weekends are extremely busy so it is best to book in advance.

Qianwei Ecology Village

Located about 15 minutes' drive from the National Forest Park is Qianwei Ecology Village. With its rural setting, this spot is a world away from the bustle of the urban lifestyle. The area, which is home to about 700 villagers, features some buildings that have been restored to their original Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) style with thatched huts prominent. While locals brought up here may find island life boring, for visitors, the laid-back lifestyle is part of its charm. For those who want to try living as a fisher or a farmer, if only for a day or a short period, the village also offers "nong jia le," or "happy farmer's life." For a nominal fee, a person can live with the families of fisherman and farmers and partake in their daily activities.

Address: North side of Dongfeng Farm

Tel: 5964-9261

Price: 35 yuan

Shuangxi Restaurant

A comfortable bedroom and meals featuring local cuisine can easily be enjoyed here for less than 150 yuan a day. Restaurant owner Lu Yanzhen, a Chongming native who has lived in the village for more than 30 years, said locals are friendly and hospitable. Lu, a chef herself, can expertly produce such items as fresh fish and vegetables in her house which also doubles as a restaurant. Three dishes are at the top of her menu - drunken crab, local chicken and Chongming cake.

Address: 520 Qianwei Ecology Village

Average price: Eating 30 yuan; one night's accommodation 110 yuan.

Getting to Chongming:    Go to Shidongkou Port on Shengshi Road in Baoshan District. The ferries take cars as well. The fast ferry charges 18 yuan a person while the slow ferry is 15 yuan. Cars cost 45 yuan. The ferries run hourly between 4:30am to 10:30pm. Dongping National Forest Park is 15 minutes' drive from Nanmen Port.