The best way to explore Manchester is by foot!

We talk to Jie, two years into her PhD with our Department of Mechanical, Aerospace and Civil Engineering, about how she discovered Manchester through running...

Did you know Manchester well before you moved here?

No! I had no idea about Manchester. I’m not even interested in football! But now I love it – that’s why I’ve been here for six years.

How have you got to know the city?

I’m someone who likes to?discover new places in a city as often as possible. My biggest advantage is that I like running.?I’m usually running without a map, and without any idea about which direction I’m heading in?- when I get to a corner, I just follow it?and see what’s?happening over there. So,?I’ve basically explored Manchester by running around it!

Do you have a favourite route now?

It’s hard to describe, but I’ll give it a go! I’d say go from?Piccadilly Gardens?to the?Northern Quarter, run around there, and then go to?Albert Square. Then if you go along Oxford Street from there, you can see the entire university. Once you get bored of the city centre, then there are loads of greener routes?–?loads of parks and canals around Manchester?–?but fornew people I’d say get familiar with the city routes first.

Do you run with a club?

Yeah,?I’ve got a group of friends who run –?usually we organise at least a run a week over social media. Although with my friends, the other way I like to explore Manchester is by eating!?I’m a big foodie, and one of the most relaxing things?every weekend is to find a nice place to eat.

Where’s the first place you’d show someone new to Manchester?

The Northern Quarter is definitely where I’d start –?it has loads of little shops, restaurants and bars. It also has a really energetic, youthful vibe about it?–?you can really feel the city?there, and it’s another great place to relax.?I really like the?Sackville building?as well?–?I think it’s one of the university’s oldest buildings – it’s quite a stylish place, and I’ve got loads of?memories from working there.

And is there one place you always go back to?

Absolutely -?there’s a?bakery in Ashton?that makes the best cinnamon buns in Manchester - I can give you my word on that! Actually, Ashton is a lovely place with great walks along the canal.?If I’m ever feeling stressed, I’ll go there and grab a cinnamon bun.?I don’t know if that counts as good advice, but it’s my favourite place!