Changxing Island, located on the southern side of Chongming Island, is a pristine haven within the bustling metropolis of Shanghai. With three sides bordering the Yangtze River and one side facing the sea, the island spans approximately 76.32 square kilometers. Its remote location from pollution sources ensures a well-preserved ecological system and fresh air quality, earning it the nickname “Green Emerald” embedded in the Yangtze River’s estuary.
Key attractions on the island include: Shanghai Citrus Orchard, Mongolian Village Racetrack, Chui Zhu Garden, Shanghai Special Effects City, Xianfeng Resort, Shisha Wildlife Park Green Island Reed Maze, Star Island Resort Village Club.
Each autumn, the island hosts the Shanghai Citrus Festival, a vibrant event that attracts numerous visitors and adds to the island’s lively atmosphere.
Travel Information about Changxing Island
Ticket and Opening Hours
- Ticket: Free
- Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
- Autumn is the best season to visit. During the autumn, Changxing Island hosts the Changxing Citrus Art Festival, attracting thousands of visitors to enjoy the scenic beauty and taste the citrus fruits.
Getting There
Location: Changxing Island, Chongming District, Shanghai
Transportation: Take public buses 1731, Changnan Line, or Chenfeng Line to the Changxing Island Hub Station, then walk to the site.
Attraction Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Features: ★★★
- Leisure: ★★
- Culture: ★★
Useful Tips
- Travel Plan: Since it is a coastal area, it is recommended to spend a night on the island. In the evening, you can enjoy the picturesque view of “the setting sun and lone wild goose flying together, the autumn water blending with the vast sky,” experiencing the beautiful scene described by Wang Bo. Additionally, you can collect seashells and search for crabs along the tidal flats.
- Birdwatching: The island is an important breeding and wintering ground for many waterfowl, including rare or regional species of East Asia such as the Long-billed Stilt, Red-necked Stint, Red-kneed Dotterel, Little Green Plover, Great Knot, Black-winged Stilt, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper, and Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Bird enthusiasts should visit the island in spring or winter to observe these fascinating birds.
Highlights of Changxing Island
Changxing Island Tangerine Orchard
Changxing Island is renowned as the “Land of Citrus,” where visitors can enjoy unique experiences such as boating through the reed marshes, appreciating and picking tangerines in the orchard, as well as collecting seashells and searching for crabs along the tidal flats. The scenic beauty of the riverside, with its description of “the setting sun and lone wild goose flying together, the autumn water blending with the vast sky,” is also a highlight.
The Changxing Island Tangerine Orchard is located in the central part of the island and is a prime area within the 10,000-acre tangerine farm of the Pre-Avant Farm. The orchard features over 10,000 fruit trees of more than 60 varieties across four main types: tangerines, oranges, pomelos, and grapefruits. It is celebrated for its extensive collection of citrus varieties and is known as the “First Orchard of the Yangtze River.”
To the east of the orchard entrance is a charming bonsai garden, while the west side boasts a creatively designed Citrus Culture Corridor. In late spring and early summer, the air is filled with the fragrant white blossoms of tangerines among the green leaves. During the deep autumn, the golden fruits hang enticingly from the branches, creating a visually appealing scene.
Related Details:
- The tangerine orchard features various attractions and facilities, including the Variety Garden, Self-Picking Garden, Production Garden, Tangerine Wonder Pavilion, Citrus Culture Corridor, Tangerine Viewing Pavilion, Mongolian Village, Conch Museum, Bonsai Garden, and Horse Racing Track for visitors to enjoy.
- In Xiangfeng Village on Changxing Island, there is a Zhuzhu Garden, which showcases the classical Jiangnan garden style. The garden covers approximately 660,000 square meters, mostly planted with citrus trees, making it an excellent spot for tangerine viewing and picking during the autumn season.
Green Island Reed Maze
The Green Island Reed Maze is divided into three main recreational areas: the Boating Area, the Water Play Area, and the Fishing Area.
Boating Area: This area features a vast expanse of reed marshes spanning thousands of acres. The winding rivers and channels provide a maze-like experience for visitors who can leisurely paddle boats through the reeds, creating a sense of wild adventure and endless exploration.
Water Play Area: This natural swimming area boasts clear, sparkling water sourced from the nearby Yangtze River. The water is fresh and pristine, resembling a serene lake amidst the reeds, making it ideal for a refreshing swim.
Fishing Area: This zone includes several fish ponds with both wild and artificially stocked fish. It is a perfect spot for fishing enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy the tranquility, and engage in a peaceful fishing experience.
Visitor Guide for Changxing Island
Accommodation on Changxing Island
Changxing Island offers a range of accommodation options, including hotels, guesthouses, and chain hotels. Here are some recommendations:
Kaiyuan Mingting Hotel: Located within Changxing Island’s suburban park, this hotel features a restaurant with a blend of Chinese and Western cuisine. The hotel’s bright and simple spaces are complemented by the novelty of robot delivery services, making it a great choice for a relaxing stay.
Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel (Shanghai Changxing Island): Situated at No. 59 Fengbin Road, Changxing Town, Chongming District, Shanghai, this hotel is close to Hengsha Fishing Port and is located in a bustling area with a food street right across the hotel.
Shanghai Changdao Manor: Located at No. 1589 Fenghuang Road, Changxing Island, this hotel is surrounded by greenery and offers a fresh and elegant environment. It features distinctive standalone buildings, providing a comfortable and charming stay.
Dining on Changxing Island
Changxing Island boasts abundant seafood resources, with over 100 types of fish including phoenix tail fish, pike, knife fish, bass, and sea crabs available year-round. Additionally, the island features local farmhouses offering various traditional dishes.
Nongqu Courtyard: This restaurant is well-decorated and specializes in farmhouse cuisine. Recommended dishes include stir-fried snails, Yangtze River shrimp, and hairy crab. Address: No. 678, Group 12, Changming Village, Changxing Island, Chongming District.
Juyuan Farmhouse: A great spot for leisure and relaxation near Shanghai, offering a pleasant coastal view, rural scenery, and natural environment. It provides dining, accommodation, conference facilities, and team-building activities. Address: No. 565, Qianwei Branch Road, Chongming District.
Zhonghe Small Dishes: Ideal for casual gatherings with friends, this restaurant is known for its “Beef Up” dish and uses fresh ingredients. It offers good value for money. Address: No. 22, Fengkang Road, Changxing Island.