Eats in the great outdoors

Barbecue season is upon us, and Xu Junqian finds the best places.

Spring is in the air. The weather is cooling down, so it's time to leave your air-conditioned offices and homes and head for the great outdoors, where you can set up the barbecue, throw on the steaks and sausages and relax. Wondering where you are allowed to set up the fire and have a big feast? Here are some of the choices.

1. Gongqing Forest Park

Nicknamed the Oxygen Bar by locals because of the 300,000 lush trees planted there, the park is a popular destination for barbecuing. You can bring your own food and drink, buy a disposable charcoal grill or borrow a sturdy barbecue from the park office and have a pleasant cookout in the special barbecue area. Unfortunately, as its reputation as a perfect environment for barbecuing is no secret, you may have to battle for some space, especially during weekends and holidays.

Address: 2000 Jungong Road

Tel: 021-6574-0586

Opening hours: 8 am-5 pm

Ticket: 15 yuan

Transportation: Bus No 966, 866

2. Dongping Forest Park

Situated on Chongming Island, the park enjoys a beautiful natural environment and stunning views. It is also the biggest forest park in eastern China. Because of these factors, it has become a favorite place for city folk to spend some time, especially on weekends. The barbecue area is hidden away in the northern corner of the park and is a good place to enjoy a big outdoor lunch. You can come empty handed, as the area has all the amenities, from charcoal grills, to oil, meat and brushes. All you need to do is to order the food you like from the menu and enjoy grilling it yourself.

Address: Chongming Island

Tel: 021-5933-8333

Opening hours: 8 am-5 pm

Ticket: 40 yuan

Transportation: Metro line 3 to Baoyang Pier, transfer to ferry

3. Sunny Beach (Bihai Jinsha)

Located in southern Shanghai in Fengxian district, Sunny Beach is one of the city's few beaches and is reputed to be the largest artificial beach in China. It is called Bihai Jinsha in Chinese, meaning blue sea and golden sand. Besides swimming and sunbathing, the beach also has a variety of other activities, including barbecue areas. There is a relatively high price required to buy food and use the barbecue facilities, but the beautiful watery views and holiday atmosphere makes up for this.

Address: 39 Hailang Road (Haiwan Tourist Area)

Tel: 021-5712-0707

Opening hours: 8:30 am-7:30 pm (weekdays); 8:30 am-9 pm (weekends)

Ticket: 55 yuan

Transportation: Metro line 1 to Xinzhuang Station, transfer to shuttle bus

4. Sanjiagang Waterfront Park

Just north of Pudong International Airport is this newly developed waterfront resort with many diversified amusement projects. Along this 1.3-kilometer coast, there are lovely seaside cabins that can be rented overnight with family and friends. It's great fun to have a barbecue by a campfire on the beach at night. You can also grill the seafood you catch by yourself. There are matchmaking parties and rock music concerts held on weekends. The park also has camping facilities.

Address: 6015 Huaxia Road E

Tel: 021-6890-9803

Opening hours: 8 am-8 pm

Ticket: 38 yuan for kids under 1.2 meters of height, 50 yuan for adults

Transportation: Metro line 2 to Lujiazui Station, transfer to Cailu shuttle bus

5. Oriental Land

A large recreational and sports center on the western edges of Shanghai, Oriental Land is usually frequented by students for team building projects and military training. Now, the park has taken advantage of its spacious area and opened a barbecue area and a water park. You can get a free water gun and have a cool water fight with other visitors in the park. There are also other water games, as well as camping and picnic areas, and bicycle hire. The park is a good choice for a day or weekend escape form the city.

Address: 6888 Huqingping Highway

Tel: 021-5923-3000

Opening hours: 9 am-9 pm

Ticket: 120 yuan

Transportation: Tour bus line 4

6. 1933 Shanghai

The historic 1933 Shanghai building is a fashion landmark focusing on creative lifestyles. It is also taking advantage of the season by throwing an all-you-can-eat barbecue party every Saturday night. This bountiful barbecue buffet costs just 100 yuan and includes soft drinks, wine, beers and other treats. And you can also enjoy music and movies - perfect for a chilled out Saturday night.

Address: El Toro Tapas & Restaurant, Unit 109, 1933 Shanghai, 611 Liyang Road

Tel: 021-6888-1933

Time: 7 pm every Saturday night

Ticket: 100 yuan per person

Transportation: Metro line 4

7. Big Bamboo

Barbecues are held at this famous sports bar every Saturday night. From the spacious patio and courtyards at the Big Bamboo's Jinqiao and Hongqiao locations, you can enjoy a feast of freshly grilled chicken wings, steaks, burgers and shrimp. There is also an extensive salad bar and free flow of draft beer.

Address: No 20, Lane 3338, Hongmei Road, Hongqiao; 381 Hongfeng Road, Jinqiao

Tel: 135-2450-6096

Time: 5 pm-8 pm every Saturday night

Ticket: 168 yuan per person