Hengsha Island (横沙岛) is located at the easternmost tip of the Yangtze River mouth, roughly round in shape with an area of about 50 square kilometers. Since it emerged from the water, it has been neighboring the river and the sea, coexisting harmoniously with nature. Surrounded by green farmlands, orchards, and lush bamboo, the island features picturesque red-tiled, white-walled cottages. Ducks swim gracefully in the ponds, water buffaloes leisurely pull carts along the roads, and faint wisps of smoke rise from the nearby water village’s fish market. Visiting Hengsha Island feels like stepping into a delicate, elegant traditional Chinese painting.
Spring: The island is alive with willow trees swaying their long branches, peach blossoms competing in vibrant colors, swallows darting low, and water buffaloes working hard in the fields. Hens forage with their chicks, and lambs bleat for their mothers.
Summer: On the coast, the tides roll in, lapping against the sandy beaches, while the sea breeze cools and refreshes. On the beaches, seashells shyly hide beneath the sand, and crabs scuttle quickly, chasing the waves.
Autumn: The island is dotted with egrets gracefully gliding and calling out, crabs are fat and full, citrus fruits are abundant and fragrant, and rice ears sway with the wind.
Winter: Under the blue sky, the reeds on Hengsha Island wear a golden coat, dancing elegantly with the breeze. Migratory geese, carrying their flocks, soar between the sky and the water.
At the eastern tip of the island lies the well-known Hengsha Island Resort Hotel, featuring brightly colored villas and a full range of fitness and entertainment facilities. To the east of the resort is the vast, endless sea. Guests who stay here can enjoy stunning sunrises each morning.
Travel Information about Hengsha Island
Tickets and Opening Hours
- Tickets: Free.
- Opening Hours: Open all day.
Best Time to Visit
March to May is the ideal time to visit Hengsha Island, as it is spring and the weather is pleasant.
Mid-June to Early July is the plum rain season, characterized by unpredictable weather, which is not ideal for travel.
Late August to Early September is the typhoon season with heavy rains, making it less suitable for visiting.
Getting There
- Loation: Hengsha Island is located in the northeastern part of Shanghai’s Baoshan District, along the Yangtze River. It is west of Changxing Island, north of Chongming Island, and southwest of Pudong New District.
Transportation: Take the Hengsha No. 3 Line and get off at Xianmin Town Station; from there, it is within walking distance.
Scenic Ratings
- Beauty: ★★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Features: ★★★★
- Leisure: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★
- Cultural Value: ★★★
Seasonal Activities
- Spring: Enjoy tea on the villa balcony in the gentle rain, or go fishing by the railing.
- Summer: Relax on the beach, take a sunbath, stroll along the shoreline, and dance with friends.
- Autumn: A perfect time for kite flying, sunrise watching, and enjoying the sunset.
- Winter: The season for the famous Changsha knife fish. Food enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to savor this delicacy.
Visitor Guide for Hengsha Island
Transportation within the Scenic Area
Hengsha Island is relatively small, and renting a bicycle for a round-island tour is a great way to explore it. It takes about an hour and a half to complete a full circuit. At the dock, there is a “Yimi Bike” rental station where you can rent bicycles either by the hour or by the day. It is recommended to choose the daily rental option at 75 RMB/day. The rental includes a helmet and a cycling guidebook for the island. Before setting off, it’s advisable to check the condition of the brakes, pedals, seat, and helmet, and to ensure the tires are properly inflated.
Accommodation Options
The Shanghai An Hengsha Island Resort is located at the eastern tip of Hengsha Island, overlooking the vast East China Sea and backed by the Yangtze River. The resort features 30 various villas, 30 standard hotel rooms, and 40 “water house” themed rooms, with a total capacity to accommodate approximately 500 guests at once.
Additionally, the resort boasts a natural sandy beach covering 400,000 square meters, nearly a hundred types of rowing boats and yachts, and East China’s first golf water practice area. It also includes an international standard karting track over 130 meters long, grass karting, tennis courts, beach volleyball, a swimming pool, sauna, card rooms, and a multifunctional conference hall.
Address: No. 2579 Dongbin Road, Hengsha Island.
Food Options
Depending on the season, Hengsha Island offers a variety of unique local specialties and farm products. These include Yangtze River knife fish, phoenix tail fish, river shrimp, Chinese mitten crabs, white mountain goats, red-nosed ducks, glutinous snails, free-range chickens, soft-shelled turtles, eel, and eel. Additionally, you can enjoy green, eco-friendly dishes such as white broad beans, taro, wild water bamboo shoots, wild greens, and sacred melons.