Shanghai is a bustling metropolis, but hidden within its vibrant streets are serene oases of nature where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The city is home to numerous free parks, each offering unique landscapes, stunning photo opportunities, and a breath of fresh air. From tranquil lakes to lush forests, Shanghai’s parks provide a perfect retreat for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers alike. Here are 20 of the best free parks to explore in Shanghai, offering everything from beautiful flowers and picturesque lakes to charming historical features and peaceful green spaces.
1. Century Park (世纪公园) 📍Pudong New District
As Shanghai’s largest urban park, Century Park is a popular spot for both nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities like camping, boating on the lake, and stunning autumn photography with the park’s vibrant pink muhly grass and golden ginkgo trees. A 4A scenic area, it’s an excellent spot for both relaxation and recreation.
2. Gongqing Forest Park (共青森林公园) 📍Yangpu District
Gongqing Forest Park feels like stepping into a fairytale with its vast, mystical forest full of ancient green trees. Known for its lush greenery and vibrant life, it resembles a real-life Monet Garden. The park also features a small train, horseback riding, and plenty of photo opportunities, making it an ideal place to capture nature’s beauty.
3. Jiabei Countryside Park (嘉北郊野公园) 📍Jiading District
A hidden gem in Shanghai, Jiabei Countryside Park is famous for its sprawling fields of pink muhly grass. The park is also home to a giant scarecrow, a country-style café, and a Cézanne-inspired garden, making it a perfect spot for photographers seeking rural charm and tranquility.
4. Wusongkou Wetland Park (吴淞炮台湾湿地公园) 📍Baoshan District
Located at the mouth of the Yangtze River, this park offers stunning views of both sunrise and sunset over the water, with its picturesque lighthouse and natural beauty. The park’s wetlands are a peaceful escape from the city, and its panoramic vistas make it a great location for nature lovers and photographers.
5. Lu Xun Park (鲁迅公园) 📍Hongkou District
Lu Xun Park is full of local flavor, featuring street musicians playing instruments like the accordion and saxophone. The park has a relaxed and laid-back atmosphere that is uniquely Shanghai, providing visitors with a genuine slice of life in the city while also offering photo-worthy scenes of everyday activities.
6. Automobile Expo Park (汽车博览公园) 📍Jiading District
The Automobile Expo Park is a mix of natural beauty and cultural interest, with quaint architectural styles from Italy, the United States, Japan, the UK, and China. It’s also a popular destination for wedding photoshoots, especially due to its charming landscapes and international architectural designs. In addition, you can enjoy kayaking on the water here.
7. Liuyun Lake Park (留云湖公园) 📍Jiading District
Liuyun Lake Park is famous for its seasonal beauty. During the summer, you can admire the stunning lotus flowers, and in the fall, the park’s reed beds offer a calm and scenic place for walks and photos. It’s a perfect destination to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of nature.
8. Binjiang Forest Park (滨江森林公园) 📍Pudong New District
A hidden treasure on the banks of the Huangpu River, Binjiang Forest Park offers stunning views of both the water and the trees. In the autumn, the park’s pink muhly grass creates a dreamy landscape that looks straight out of a fairytale. It’s a peaceful place to enjoy nature and take in Shanghai’s skyline.
9. Nanhui Zhuanqiao Coastal Park (南汇嘴观海公园) 📍Pudong New District
This coastal park is especially breathtaking at sunrise, when the landscape seems to come alive with soft hues reminiscent of a Monet painting. A peaceful and picturesque spot by the sea, it’s an excellent place for relaxation and photography.
10. Expo Culture Park (世博文化公园) 📍Pudong New District
Expo Culture Park boasts some of Shanghai’s most famous architectural highlights, including the twin peaks of the “Twin Hills” and the Suzhou-style garden “Shen Garden.” The park also houses Asia’s largest greenhouse garden, making it a great place to discover both nature and culture.
11. Qingxi Countryside Park (青西郊野公园) 📍Qingpu District
A perfect blend of water and forest, Qingxi Countryside Park offers a peaceful retreat into Shanghai’s “green fairyland.” With its seasonal charm, the park features boat rides through the water forests, allowing you to enjoy nature from a completely unique perspective.
12. Guangfulin Countryside Park (广富林郊野公园) 📍Songjiang District
This park is a beautiful fusion of traditional Chinese architecture and natural beauty. Featuring black-tiled, white-walled buildings, curved corridors, flowing waters, and intricate gardens, Guangfulin Countryside Park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle, with many opportunities for scenic walks and photography.
13. Shanghai Botanical Garden (上海植物园) 📍Xuhui District
Located in the heart of the city, Shanghai Botanical Garden is a lush urban oasis. With expansive lawns, serene lakes, greenways, forests, boat rides, and exhibition halls, it’s a great place to explore a wide variety of plant life and enjoy some peaceful time surrounded by nature.
14. Minhang Cultural Park (闵行文化公园) 📍Minhang District
Minhang Cultural Park is a fantastic spot for a peaceful retreat. Located next to the Minhang Civil Affairs Bureau, it’s a great place to take photos, especially if you’re interested in capturing the natural beauty of forests and streams.
15. Sheshan National Forest Park (佘山国家森林公园) 📍Songjiang District
A perfect destination for hiking and nature lovers, Sheshan National Forest Park is also known for its filming locations used in various TV shows and movies. The park offers stunning views and is a great spot for outdoor exploration.
16. Changxing Island Countryside Park (长兴岛郊野公园) 📍Chongming Island
This park is perfect for a quiet getaway. Here, you can enjoy picking fresh oranges and strolling through the beautiful countryside, away from the crowded city. It’s an ideal spot for photography and relaxation.
17. Jing’an Sculpture Park (静安雕塑公园) 📍Jing’an District
Jing’an Sculpture Park showcases 35 art pieces from 31 international artists, including sculptures from both Chinese and foreign artists. It’s a wonderful blend of nature and art, where you can enjoy the fusion of creativity and green space.
18. Fuxing Park (复兴公园) 📍Huangpu District
Built in a classic French style, Fuxing Park features beautiful rolling hills, lotus ponds, small creeks, winding paths, and large green lawns. It’s a charming park for leisurely walks and offers a calm escape within the city.
19. Daning Lingshi Park (大宁公园) 📍Jing’an District
This park is home to large lawns, white sandy beaches, and even a vibrant tulip field. It’s a great spot for picnics, photography, and enjoying outdoor activities, offering a refreshing change from the urban landscape.
20. Guhua Park (古华公园) 📍Fengxian District
Tucked away in a quiet residential area, Guhua Park is a hidden gem. With its traditional Chinese pavilions, it offers a serene environment perfect for a peaceful day out in nature, making it a great spot for reflection and relaxation.