Making waves on a sea of green

For those in Shanghai seeking a soothing grassland escape without traveling thousands of kilometers, a coastal retreat in the suburbs offers just the right kind of green getaway, with a refreshing seaside twist.

Nestled in Jinshan district, the Jinshan Seaside Grassland covers an expansive 560,000 square meters of what was once coastal mudflats. Sitting right along the shoreline, the grassland has quickly gone viral on social media since officially opening to the public this summer.

Its sweeping lawns stretch as far as the eye can see, while the district's three islands across the water come into view from the grassland's gently rolling slopes. With picture-perfect scenery at every turn, the site has become a popular destination for outdoor photography.

Residents and visitors from across the city flock here to unwind. Some take leisurely walks, go running or cycling, fly kites, or enjoy the open lawns with their children and pets. Others simply soak up the greenery and fresh air, coffee in hand.

At the heart of the grassland stands Lang & Young Coffee, dubbed "the loneliest cafe in Shanghai" by netizens. From the cafe's third floor, visitors can take in sweeping views stretching all the way to where the grassland meets the sea.

"The sea breeze and the rolling waves of grass here are healing and refreshing. They can temporarily take away all the hustle and bustle and stress in the city," says Wei Min, the cafe's founder.

The 29-year-old Jinshan district native is a military veteran. After working at a multinational company for four years, he entered the coffee industry in 2021, aiming to build his own local coffee brand and chain.

While expanding his business footprint and developing customized partnerships with several major companies in the district, Wei says the cafe nestled in the grassland stands apart from his other ventures.

"The whole grassland is a huge open space, and especially a perfect fit for some sports and camping activities. Our cafe here is also designed as a place for leisure and relaxation, for those tired of busy urban life," says Wei.

He notes that since opening in July alongside the grassland, the cafe has been attracting an increasingly diverse range of visitors. Those coming from across the city often bring their children and pets to spend the day, with camping tents scattered across the grassland. Groups of cyclists also stop by the cafe for a break after long rides from neighboring cities and provinces.

Wei is glad to see more visitors enjoying themselves and regaining their inner peace in Jinshan. He hopes to contribute more to his hometown's cultural tourism and agricultural industries. He is currently working with partners to develop more coffee products featuring distinctive blends of local fruit flavors.

Wei also says the cafe is looking to expand its services to meet visitors' growing demands, including reading spaces, exhibitions, food and dining options, as well as bicycle rental and maintenance services.