Shanghai Daily News

Finding a weekend getaway in Shanghai is a relatively easy task if you identify where you want to go, what you want to do, and the hotels and restaurants that best suit your tastes.

Jinshan beach has it all and is an ideal candidate for weekend seaside escape.

Sunbathing

A weekend getaway to Hawaii or Hainan is an ocean away, but a similar beach experience with an enjoyable Shanghainese twist is just an hour's drive from the city center. In recent years, Jinshan beach has developed into a hot spot for its waves, sun, sand and "biandang" (lunch boxes).

Visitors will likely encounter the city's growing population of bikini-clad beach bunnies and bronzed surfers along the coastline, bobbing offshore, riding the waves or simply basking in the sun.

While the beach is developing to an international standard, the excessive littering that occurs at this recreational area is one downside. Still, it is a popular place for kite flying and a place for sunbathers to see and be seen.

With the beach's growing popularity, there is now an increasing number of food and beverage outlets under construction to satisfy the ever-increasing crowds.

Beach volleyball

The Women's World Beach Volleyball Tour which hit Jinshan in May has undoubtedly heated up the local passion for beach volleyball. Compared with the indoor game, the outdoor variety has more glitz, glamour, less uniforms and generally, a lot more skin.

To let everyone have a shot at this increasingly popular sport, Jinshan beach has several outdoor volleyball courts for public use. Bring some sunscreen, a pair of sandals and a big towel for a day of fun in the sun.

Summer activities

Jinshan is holding a series of "Meet at the Beach" activities over the next six month. Each month features a different theme. Here is what's happening:

- "Youthful July" target teens with performances under the theme of "Wind Summer Concert Season." This takes place next Saturday.

- "Joyful August" comprises get-togethers organized for community residents and the People's Liberation Army. An international bikini show and yacht performance is part of the festivities.

- "Romantic September" is aimed at the Jinshan Travel Festival and Jinshan Cultural and Art Festival. A party especially designed for youngster will kick off in late September.

- "Splendid October" focuses on the 8th Shanghai International Art Festival. It is mainly characterized by foreign cultural exchanges.

Jinshan Hotel

It is true that finding a restaurant at Jinshan beach is not an easy task. However, this three-star hotel is a good place for those who want to sample local delicacies in a location not far from the beach. The hotel's chefs, most of whom have over 30 years experience each, are continuously creating new dishes, as evident by the diverse menu. For example, a fish can be cooked with a choice of more than 20 flavors, representing the essence of Chinese cuisine. A house speciality is braised fish with spiral shell in soya sauce.

Address: 1 Jinyi Road E.

Tel: 8666-2041, 8672-8643

Average price: 40 yuan (US$5) to 50 yuan a person

Pinpin Jintang

Six years ago, this restaurant was the first place to offer abalone in the district. Yet, the biggest influence of this establishment is the owner's cooking ideas. None of the dishes here contains monosodium glutamate, or MSG, presenting a healthier lifestyle choice. The restaurant also has an amazing 5,000-plus photos of its various dishes hanging on the wall. This gives customers a great advantage when choosing what to eat. Various original dishes such as the memorable braised wild mushrooms with abalone sauce dominate the menu. Other recommended items include baked fish South-Asian style and coconut sago soup.

Address: 8518 Huhang Road

Tel: 5794-3366

Average price: 200 yuan a person