Leaving Yanchang Road station, the choice to go north or south seemingly takes you to different epochs in time. Turn right from exit 4 and you arrive at Daning International Commerce Plaza (1878-2008 Gonghexin Road), full of modern Western and international restaurants and shops. Head south, and a more cultural and historical China awaits you.

Song Jiaoren's tomb Photos: CFP

 

Song Jiaoren's tomb

Nestled in Zhabei district, close to Yanchang Road station, is the tomb of Song Jiaoren (1882-1913). Song is a very important figure in modern Chinese history and was a key player in the 1911 revolution. Song was the leader and a founder of the Kuomintang (KMT) and had just led the party to victory in the 1913 parliamentary elections, China's first democratic elections, when he was assassinated at a Shanghai railway station.

Leading up to his tomb in Zhabei Park (1555 Gonghexin Road) is a domineering stone statue of the man himself. Set high on a podium, Song is depicted wearing a Western style suit. With one hand under his chin, he gives the impression of being deep in thought. His name is elegantly written in calligraphy on the body on the podium, and on the back of the podium there is another tablet with a lengthy engraving. Behind the statue is the actual tomb of Song Jiaoren on a raised square platform. A stone dome covers his resting place and perched atop is an eagle, depicted with its wings spread out.

A giant teapot and teacup outside Daning International Tea City

 

Daning International Tea City

Daning International Tea City (1536 Gonghexin Road) is a five-minute walk from exit 3 of Yanchang Station. Clearly signposted, its formidable edifice can't be missed. Daning Tea City houses over three floors of tea shops, teahouses and all manner of tea paraphernalia. As soon as you walk in, the overpowering smell of tea hits you. Shop fronts line the walkway, with a twisting labyrinth of turns heralding yet more tea shops. Oolong tea, jasmine tea, black tea, sweet tea, fruit tea and many more teas are all available to buy in the aptly named "tea city."

However, if an actual cup of tea is what you're after, tea houses are peppered throughout the three floors, where you can witness a traditional tea ceremony. Each floor has its own character, with the first floor being mainly places to buy tea in all shapes and forms, from loose tea to the cake-like slabs of Pu'er tea. The second floor has more tea making instruments, from teapots to saucers, with a range of earthenware, china and pottery to choose from. Venture further up to the third floor, and not just tea products are on sale, but vases and chopsticks too. A must-see for those who love tea, or want a traditional tea experience.

Zhabei Park

 

Zhabei Park

Just a stone's throw from exit 2 of Yanchang metro station is an oasis of greenery at Zhabei Park. Although the park covers a small area, it features a number of family-friendly activities, as well as having an older, more traditional element. The park has a number of large ponds, with beautiful arched bridges as well as flat zigzag walkways. The ponds vary in style, with some featuring fountains ringed with weeping willows, and some with a blanket of lily pads covering the whole expanse of water.

Throughout the park there are winding pathways which lead to traditional-style Chinese gazebos. They vary in size, and some form part of a central square, where people play instruments, dance and play games. A number of older buildings can also be found tucked away in the park, but fear not, signposts will lead the way if you get lost.

Boats are available to rent on the scenic ponds, at a price of 50 yuan ($8.15) for one hour. A fun fair is also inside the park, complete with merry-go-rounds and children's roller coasters, with prices for the rides starting at just 6 yuan.