James Baquet

    NEW YORK’S Central Park is the heart of Manhattan. Running 4 kilometers long and 1 wide, it offers a much-needed breathing space for the citizens.

    Shenzhen’s Central Park is approximately the same size, virtually bisecting the main part of the city. With the addition of Bijia Mountain, it reaches from the foothills in the north all the way down to Binhe Boulevard.

    Bijia Mountain (Penholder Mountain) is a nicely developed area, and one of the city’s major elevations. It’s a reasonable climb with great views from each of its three peaks. (These three together, by the way, resemble a traditional penholder, which gives the park its name.)

    Coming down, you’ll find a nice boating lake and plenty of open space for football, kite-flying, and other activities. On a recent visit, I also saw a blow-up play castle open for children.

    Continuing south, cross Sungang Road and walk east to Central Park gate. Meander south through groves and open lawns (crossing several large roads), and find a statuary collection down near Shennan Boulevard. The busy Huaqiangbei shopping area parallels this part of the park to the east.

    Cross Shennan Boulevard, and jog west to find an area of the park that stretches down to Binhe Boulevard and features a pavilion on the shores of a beautiful pond. This area is popular with singers, erhu players, and other performers of cultural treasures.

    Next time you’re in the center of town, stop in and take a breath!