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The search for tranquil green space in the middle of Asia’s large cities can sometimes be a challenge. After many hours spent in business meetings, hitting the shopping malls or stuck in traffic, sometimes, all you want to do is relax and recharge in a park. Fortunately, many of the world’s busiest cities also happen to be home to lush urban green pockets. When choosing your ideal home away from home, it’s always a good idea to check if there is a park nearby.

From the cheerful swan pedal boats of Benjakitti Park in Bangkok to the classical Chinese gardens of Changfeng Park in Shanghai, here are four recommended city parks which are a short distance from four Shama Serviced Apartments across Asia.

Benjakitti Park, Bangkok
Located at Asoke, an area often described as the centre of Bangkok where the Sukhumvit and Ratchadapisek Roads meet and the BTS and MRT transit systems cross paths, Benjakitti Park is a welcoming green space surrounded by high-rise hotels, office blocks and condominiums. The park is dominated by large central boating lake, with its main attractions being a 1.8km running and walking track as well as a dedicated parallel cycling track.

Dusk is the best time to visit this park to witness the transition of this metropolis from day to night, as the lights of the surrounding skyscrapers are reflected on the shimmering surface of the lake.

Sprinters yearning for a higher step count can add on a run at the adjacent and quieter Benjakitti Forest Park, and along the elevated walking and cycling path which connects Benjakitti Park to the city’s popular Lumpini Park.

Benjakitti Park is a short five-minute stroll from Shama Lakeview Asoke, with its pool terrace and many of its apartments offering direct lake views. The property is offering a Business Stay Package starting from THB6,700 for two nights which includes private car pick-up from either the Suvarnabhumi or Don Muang International Airports, a stay at a studio executive apartment, daily buffet breakfast and late checkout until 4:00pm.

Changfeng Park, Shanghai
The picturesque Changfeng Park is located at the vibrant Putuo district of Shanghai towards the west of the city centre. Situated steps away from Shama Changfeng, this park is known for several popular scenic spots including the Silver Hoe boating lake, the Hill of Iron Arms with a look-out point at its 23-metre high peak, a maple tree island and the Ocean World theme park.

Recognised as Shanghai’s largest man-made lake and the city’s only landscaped park, Changfeng Park’s layout is inspired by the natural landscape of China as well as the heritage of the classical Chinese gardens found in Beijing, Hangzhou and Suzhou.

Changfeng Park is a favourite among families who congregate for activities like boating, go-karting and kite-flying, a picnic on the shaded grounds or even a round of badminton. It is especially popular during weekend afternoons.

Scheduled to open in the third quarter of 2018, the nearby Shama Changfeng is ideal for short or extended stays with accommodation options ranging from open-plan studios to family-friendly two-bedroom apartments. Keep a lookout for opening news and promotions at www.shama.com.

Victoria Park, Hong Kong
In a city as frenetic as Hong Kong, Victoria Park is an oasis of calm and space in the crowded, bustling and fast-moving district of Causeway Bay. As the largest public park in Hong Kong, Victoria Park also serves as the gathering point for both locals and visitors.

Each morning, the park comes alive with choreographed tai chi sessions and early risers who make good use of its lawn bowling greens, swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts and a 600-metre running trail. At lunchtime, the park is a popular relaxation and takeaway lunch spot for many of the nearby office workers.

The weeks leading to the upcoming Mid-Autumn festival (24 September) would be a good time to visit, as the park will host the city’s grandest mooncake festivities with lantern displays, traditional stage performances and carnival games.

Located one MTR stop away from Victoria Park, the newly open Shama Island North offers a range of fully-furnished serviced apartments in studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom configuration. Shared residential facilities include a fitness centre, lounge and rooftop terrace. The property is also set to launch a brand-new collection of hotel rooms on dedicated floors which are especially ideal for shorter stays.

Daqing Children’s Park, Daqing

Often referred to as the oil capital of China, Daqing is located in the west of China’s northern-eastern Heilongjiang province. The industrial city is home to several large parks and lakes, one of the most popular being the Daqing Children’s Park which is an easy 15-minute walk or 8-minute drive from Shama Daqing.

Daqing Children’s Park is big on offering the little ones and their parents the opportunity to learn while having fun, with a wide range of interactive displays designed specially for kids. There is also a pleasant boating lake with paddle boats available for rent by the hour.

Late spring and the arrival of warmer weather is the best time to visit. It is during this time when carnivals with food stalls and thrilling rides are set up for the enjoyment of kids as well as the young at heart.

The brand-new Shama Daqing offers contemporary serviced apartments ranging from studio to three bedroom layouts, complemented by facilities including two restaurants, a fitness centre, on-site convenience store and a small cinema. The property is offering book direct web exclusives which guarantee complimentary late checkout, as well as 10% savings on room and breakfast for guests booking at least seven days in advance. For more information, visit www.shama.com.