Running in China

I just returned from China the other day. What what a great time! I had a superb time, seeing Beijing, Shanghai and visiting friends in Hangzhou. While there, as well as seeing the Forbidden City, World Finance Centre, etc, the plan had been to do a bit of running. However the air quality made that less than straightforward.

First stop Beijing. What a city! Running round Tiananmen Square, Beihai Park and Temle of Heaven would have been so cool. It was seriously cold, but I had warm running gear so the weather was no major drama. But the air tasted of burnt plastic, so that was right out. Maybe in Shanghai?

Down to Shanghai. I arrived surfacing at People's Square in the city centre with the park full of people doing Tai Chi. It seemed like a healthy place. And being near the coast it would probably have decent air. As the day wore on, while I visited the Bund, next to the river the air started to feel manky. Hmmm... So, when I left for Hangzhou the following morning I wasn't a bit jealous seeing the Shanghai marathon running past.

Hangzhou, third time lucky? With a huge and beautiful lake (West Lake) next to the city and lots of countryside the hope was this would be a clean city. Marco Polo apparently spoke highly of it, saying it is "beyond dispute the finest and the noblest in the world". And, to be fair, it was pretty impressive. Also, the air didn't smell or taste of anything. Wey!

So, eventullay having time away from the sites I set off on a run. The choice was the lake or towards the Lin Ying Temple. The lake was always mobbed with cowds so I decided on the road to the temple. Along paths offset from the tree-lined streets, past the nearby tea plantations and on to the Temple. Then back to the flat. A joy. And my lungs were in the same state than when I set out.