Century Park is the largest and most ecologically rich urban park in Shanghai. The park features a maze of paths, rolling hills, evergreen trees, clear lakes, and meandering streams through the forest, creating an oasis in the bustling metropolis—a peaceful retreat amid the city’s vibrancy. Strolling through the park brings a sense of tranquility and calm.
The park is divided into seven distinct areas: the Rural Area, Scenic Area, Lakeside Area, Open Forest and Grassland Area, Bird Sanctuary, International Garden Area, and a small golf course. It also includes various recreational facilities such as an outdoor theater, meeting plaza, children’s playground, and fishing spots.
Travel Information about Century Park
Ticket and Opening Hours
Ticket Price: ¥10
Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Best Time to Visit
- The best time to visit the park is during spring, in April and May. During this period, the park is adorned with blooming flowers, making it exceptionally beautiful. The park also hosts grand garden events at this time.
Transportation
Location: No. 1001, Jinxiu Road, Pudong New Area
How to Get There: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Century Park Station. It is a short walk from there.
Attraction Rating
- Romantic: ★★★★★
- Beautiful: ★★★★
- Unique: ★★★★
- Relaxing: ★★★★
- Exciting: ★★★
- Cultural: ★★★
Highlights of Century Park
Jing Tian Lake and the Century Flower Clock
Upon entering Century Park through Gate 1, you’ll immediately encounter Jing Tian Lake, the largest artificial lake in the Shanghai region. The lake’s surface shimmers with ripples on breezy days, and on clear, crisp days, the water reflects the sky like a mirror, giving it the name “Jing Tian Lake” (Mirror Sky Lake).
The Century Flower Clock is a landmark attraction in Century Park. Situated with its back to Jing Tian Lake and facing Century Avenue, the circular flower bed has a diameter of 12 meters. It is adorned with green boxwoods as markers and colorful flowers, creating a vibrant and eye-catching display. The clock is controlled by satellite instruments and has a time accuracy of just 0.03 seconds. Officially opened on April 18, 2000, the clock was named “Century Flower Clock” to commemorate its significance across the century and its location at the end of Century Avenue.
On the north side of Jing Tian Lake, there is a viewing platform. Climbing the platform allows you to admire a variety of plants cultivated in the park’s seasonal flower beds. On the west side of the platform, you’ll find the legendary Yangzhou Qiong Hua (Jasmine). From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the shimmering Jing Tian Lake.
Yunfan Bridge and the Green World Relief Wall
Yunfan Bridge is located at the center of Century Park, adjacent to Jing Tian Lake to the west. The bridge features a suspension design with a span of 43 meters, making it the largest pedestrian bridge in Shanghai’s parks. The elegant design of the bridge creates a reflection in the water that resembles a sail, seamlessly blending with the clouds and becoming one of Century Park’s most picturesque views.
The Green World Relief Wall is made of granite, extending approximately 80 meters in length and covering an area of about 178 square meters. This artwork showcases 29 species of animals and plants from the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the theme of harmony between humans and nature.
Related Details:
- Water Leisure Activities: The park offers water leisure activities, with boat rental stations located at Entrance 3 and Entrance 7. Visitors can enjoy electric boats, rowboats, or pedal boats to cruise around Zhangjia Canal, which encircles Century Park. The scenic beauty along the banks provides a unique and charming experience.
- Naval Battle Boat Attraction: Located near Yunfan Bridge, this attraction combines sound, light, and electrical technology to simulate a naval battle game. During the water-based combat, the boats that are hit will spray water or emit strong continuous flashes and sounds, providing an exhilarating and thrilling experience.
Qunlong Chuiyue (Grand Fountain) and Bird Island
Qunlong Chuiyue (Grand Fountain): Located not far from Entrance 7, this is a signature attraction in the park. The fountain measures 38 meters in length and 14 meters in width, featuring 327 nozzles of various sizes and over 300 spotlights arranged in one small ring and four large rings. When activated, the fountain is surrounded by mist jets, and each of the four large rings shoots a high water column, one of which, known as the “Sky Pillar,” reaches up to 80 meters. At night, the interplay of light and water creates a spectacular display, with the light beams and water columns blending to produce 108 beautiful and vivid patterns.
Bird Island: Situated at the center of Century Park, Bird Island is completely surrounded by water, which connects with Mirror Lake. The island is home to about 50 species of trees and shrubs, including camphor, privet, poplar, red-leafed trees, peach trees, plum blossoms, acacia, and osmanthus. The stable plant community and excellent ecological environment make it a paradise for local and migratory birds. The park also specially raises over 100 gray magpies on the island, and each morning and evening, the island comes alive with the sound of birds singing and playing among the trees.
Related Details:
- At the intersection in the bird sanctuary on Bird Island stands a towering ginkgo tree, which was transplanted from Jiangsu. This century-old ginkgo is said to have been moved only after a grand ceremony conducted by local villagers, adding an air of mystery to its presence.
- In the rural pastoral area of Century Park, there is a pigeon park located on the large lawn. The park is home to over 1,200 white pigeons. Visitors can feed the pigeons and enjoy the experience of interacting closely with them, adding a touch of joy and tranquility to their visit.
Exotic Garden
The Exotic Garden features unique attractions such as the Olmec Head and the Green Maze.
Olmec Head: This sculpture showcases the exceptional carving skills of the Olmec civilization, with the Olmec Head No. 8 being a replica gifted from the Veracruz state government of Mexico to the Shanghai municipal government. It stands as a symbol of friendship between the two regions.
Green Maze: Made of “coral” green plants, the maze is encircled by a 3-meter-high barrier, with an inner height of 2 meters. Covering an area of 1,200 square meters, it is the largest green maze in Shanghai.
Related Details:
- Open-Air Music Theater: Located on the west side of Century Park, the open-air music theater features a white steel membrane canopy designed to enhance acoustic performance. This structure collects and amplifies the singer’s voice, ensuring exceptionally clear and loud sound. It’s a great spot to enjoy a musical performance.
- Mini Golf Course: Situated on the west side of the park, the mini golf course includes amenities such as a lounge, café, equipment rental, and restrooms. The course is meticulously designed with elegant surroundings, including strategically placed sand traps, ponds, and shrubbery. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy showcasing their skills here.
Visitor Guide for Century Park
Accommodation Options
The park is situated on Century Avenue, where there are numerous hotels nearby. Some options include:
White Magnolia Hotel (Address: No. 260 Baiyang Road, Pudong New District)
Qin Hotel (Address: No. 999 Mei Hua Road, Pudong New District)
Dining Options
Century Café: Located inside the park’s No. 1 gate, Century Café overlooks the beautiful Mirror Lake. It offers freshly brewed coffee, a variety of beverages, and Western-style set meals. The café also caters to various events, including corporate functions, wedding receptions, event planning companies, and major travel agencies.
Colorful Pavilion: Situated at the No. 3 gate, this pavilion resembles a Mongolian yurt and serves various snacks and drinks. It’s a great spot to grab a bite or get some refreshments.
Jiazhongyuan and Century Park Restaurant: Additional dining options within the park include Jiazhongyuan and Century Park Restaurant, providing a range of food and drink choices.
Visitors are also welcome to bring their own food for a picnic within the park.
Recommended Route
Lakeside Area – Sparse Forest Lawn Area – Country Meadow Area – Bird Sanctuary Area – Exotic Garden Area – Mini Golf Course – Exit