It's only an hour's drive from downtown Shanghai but a world away from the bustle of the city. Xu Xiaomin and Cheng Sijia enjoy the natural delights of Chongming.

When I have a free weekend, my top destination for a quick getaway is Chongming Island. For time-poor travelers like me, the island is a perfect escape as it is only a one-hour drive from downtown Shanghai.

Chongming's location makes it an easy escape from the chaotic city, it is green and has fresh air, beaches, nice food andvery few people. Geographically Chongming, the country’s third largest island, is part of Shanghai, but it is a direct contrast to the chaotic city. To me, it is the closest haven for downtown city-dwellers to take a deep breath.

A green island

Many island residents may not agree with my assessment of their home. I have found most of the islanders view Shanghai city center as the big smoke, referring to visits to the city as "going up to big Shanghai". They call Chongming "xiangxia" (village). The word denotes a humble place.

Twenty or 30 years ago Chongming may have been a kind of xiangxia to downtown residents, who looked down on people from outside Shanghai. During the "cultural revolution" (1966-1976), Shanghai's educated students were ordered by chairman Mao Zedong to travel to villages around the country to learn about rural life. Chongming was one of the rural areas to receive and educate the youngsters through harsh living conditions and farm work. Even today, many places in Chongming retain their names from this period, and are known as Long March and Red Star farm, names that carry the memories of a generation.

Today, Chongming has long shrugged off the harsh living conditions of yesteryear, but residents still look upon Shanghai city center with something approaching awe.

While Chongming has changed, it has not succumbed to high rise buildings or oversized shopping malls. The island has managed to modernize, but still retain its lush green landscapes and abundant fresh air.

Retaining its status as an ecological island is an aim of the local government, and they have worked hard to achieve their goal. Drive along the major highway Chenhai Gonglu, a 600 km stretch of road connecting the east and west points of the island, and you will be charmed by green trees, fields and lovely local villas.