A 550ml bottle of Nongfu Spring drinking water costs 2 yuan at a convenience store, but 5 yuan at a convenience store in Shanghai Century Park; a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola costs 4.3 yuan at a convenience store, but 8 yuan at a convenience store in Changfeng Park; a bucket of braised beef noodles costs 5.3 yuan at a convenience store, but 10 yuan at Century Park…

Bottled water, beverages, instant noodles, and other common items in parks are priced several yuan higher or even double that of convenience stores. In early September 2026, a reporter from The Paper visited the convenience stores and vending machines in several parks in Shanghai, recording the prices of various goods and comparing them with those in regular convenience stores to investigate just how much of a markup the goods sold in parks actually are.

Reporters noticed that all the park's convenience stores prominently displayed their prices. Although most items were only a few yuan more expensive, the markup was often more than double. So, what determines the pricing of goods in the park? What is a reasonable price difference? Why are some items in the park significantly more expensive?

Food and beverage prices vary significantly between different parks.

The reporter compared several common products: a 500ml bottle of Coca-Cola costs 4.3 yuan in convenience stores, 5 yuan in Daning Park, 6 yuan in Gucun Park and Century Park, and 8 yuan in Changfeng Park, representing a price premium of 16%-86%. A 500ml bottle of Uni-President iced tea costs 4 yuan in convenience stores, 6 yuan in Gucun Park, and 8 yuan in Century Park. Uni-President braised beef noodles (cup) costs 5.3 yuan in convenience stores, 7 yuan in Daning Park, and 10 yuan in Century Park, nearly doubling the price in Century Park.

Reporters noted that all park convenience stores displayed their prices prominently, making it easy for consumers to see. The same food and beverages were priced the same at different convenience stores within the same park, although vending machine prices were sometimes slightly higher or lower than those at the convenience stores.

However, it's worth noting that prices vary significantly between different parks. In comparison, the prices of some beverages in Gucun Park and Daning Park are relatively moderate, with price differences from convenience stores mostly within 1-2 yuan; while Century Park is generally more expensive, for example, a small pack of tissues costs 3 yuan, bottled water starts at 5 yuan, and popsicles start at 6 yuan, all higher than in Gucun and Daning Parks, making it the "high-price area" in this survey. The prices of bottled water and Uni-President iced tea are even double those in convenience stores.

During the visit, reporters also found numerous vending machines in the parks, mainly selling drinks and ice cream. In Century Park, a Cornetto and a Thousand Layer Ice Cream that cost 8 yuan at the convenience store were priced at 10 yuan and 15 yuan respectively in the park's vending machines, while both ice creams cost around 5 yuan in convenience stores. In Gucun Park, the vending machine prices for drinks were exactly the same as those at the convenience store; the difference was also minimal in Daning Park, with only a few cents separating the same item between the vending machine and the convenience store.

Mr. Wang, a citizen taking a walk in Century Park, told reporters that he usually brings his own water to the park and rarely buys anything inside. When asked in what situations he chooses to make purchases inside the park, Mr. Wang said that he is more likely to buy things if he is traveling with his children, "It's okay if it's just for the kids and it doesn't cost much."

Regarding the premium on goods in the park, Mr. Wang said, "For us, the cheaper the better, but merchants need to make money, and everyone's interests are different." However, he also said that he could accept a price that doubled, but he would think twice if the price doubled. Taking bottled water as an example, "I can accept Nongfu Spring water that costs 2 yuan, but it would cost a maximum of 5 yuan in the park. I wouldn't consider it if the price was higher."

Another citizen interviewed, Mr. Jiang, said that he has a habit of shopping at the park's convenience store. "I can bring my own drinks and snacks, but I can only buy ice cream and sausages at the convenience store." In his opinion, "as long as the price markup does not exceed expectations, it's fine."

Multiple factors affect product prices

Where do the high prices at park convenience stores come from?

A vendor at a convenience store in Century Park stated that all the stores in the park have uniform pricing. She explained that items such as milk tea, smoothies, grilled sausages, and toys are priced by the park. "We are only responsible for selling them; the prices and selection of these items have nothing to do with us."

The convenience store in Daning Park is located near the beach and sells snacks, drinks, and children's toys. The saleswoman said, "Our prices are slightly higher than outside, but still acceptable, cheaper than other parks. We've maintained these prices for the past few years." She explained that the store is contracted out to a private owner.

Changfeng Park presents a different picture. While the northern section is still closed for renovations, the Changfeng Ocean World Aquarium within the park remains open. A small shop, located right next to the aquarium, can be found upon entering through Gate 4 of the park. A salesperson stated that the shop's pricing is determined by the aquarium, and after making a purchase, the reporter observed that the payee was "Shanghai Changfeng Ocean World Co., Ltd."

Regarding the premium, a shop assistant at a small shop in Gucun Park said, "It's definitely more expensive inside the park than outside. The shop is open every day, but we don't have many customers on a typical day, and we still have to pay rent." The park's daily visitor flow is unstable. When the reporter visited on a weekday, it was raining, and it was difficult to see any tourists inside the park. The small shop mainly relies on the foot traffic from the children's playground next door.

As public recreational spaces, parks, by virtue of their public service nature, require operators to strike a balance between profit and convenience for the public. A reporter's investigation revealed that although most items were only a few yuan more expensive, the markup on some items was more than double. Given that transparent pricing is already in place, it is recommended that relevant departments strengthen price guidance and supervision of commercial outlets within parks, especially by setting base prices for "essential" items such as bottled water. Consideration could also be given to adding affordable vending machines and drinking fountains, so that citizens no longer have to worry about finding water while visiting the park. (Source: The Paper)