Daning Lingshi Park: Shanghai’s Urban Oasis of Blooms & Waterways

Escape the city's hustle into a 68-hectare sanctuary, where Dutch tulip fields melt into serene lakes, Roman columns frame cherry blossoms, and the city's only urban white sand beach sparkles under the sun—this is Daning Lingshi Park, a poetic fusion of nature and artistry in the heart of Shanghai.

• Architectural Design: Inspired by classical Roman forums, featuring Corinthian columns, arched colonnades, and geometric marble paving. The central plaza spans 1,200㎡ and is flanked by symmetrical gardens.

• Seasonal Displays:

  • Spring: 2.1 million Dutch tulips (Queen of Night, Angelique, and Flaming Parrot varieties) arranged in cascading color blocks.

  • Autumn: 50,000 chrysanthemums sculpted into pagodas and animals, complemented by purple fountain grass.

• Hidden Feature: Underground irrigation system with 400+ micro-sprinklers ensuring 24/7 hydration.

• Photo Tip: Stand at the eastern colonnade at 4 PM to capture shadows forming "light stripes" across floral patterns.

• Technical Specs:

  • Area: 3,200㎡ of imported quartz sand (0.5-0.8mm grains, pH-neutral and sterilized).

  • Depth: 40cm sand layer over waterproof membrane.

  • Water Quality: Recycled through UV filtration every 6 hours.

• Family Facilities:

  • Shaded Cabanas (free, first-come basis)

  • Outdoor Freshwater Showers (water temperature maintained at 28°C)

  • Sand Toy Rental (buckets/shovels ¥10/hour, deposit ¥50)

• Eco-Touch: Nightly 8 PM "Sand Cleaning" where robotic rakes sift debris while preserving children’s sandcastles.

• Hydrological Engineering:

  • Capacity: 68,000m³ with 3-tier purification (biological + UV + nano-filtration).

  • Waterfalls: 7 artificial cascades (max height 4.2m) recirculating 120m³/hour.

• Aquatic Life:

  • Koi Population: 1,200+ (fed daily at 11 AM by staff)

  • Native Plants: Chinese water chestnut, sacred lotus, and spiral wild rice providing habitats for kingfishers.

• Boating Options:

  • Electric Swan Boats (¥60/30 mins, fits 4) with built-in Bluetooth speakers

  • Traditional Paddleboats (¥40/30 mins) shaped like giant lotus leaves

• Construction Details:

  • Height: 19m (Shanghai’s tallest artificial hill) using 180,000m³ of soil from subway line excavations.

  • Internal Structure: Steel frame with drainage pipes preventing erosion.

• Viewing Platforms:

  • Summit Pavilion: 360° glass-walled observatory with tactile relief map of Shanghai.

  • Mid-level Terraces: 6 "Whispering Benches" where voices carry 50m through acoustic pipes.

• Flora: 200+ alpine plants including dwarf bamboo and cloud-pruned Japanese maples.

Spring: Tulips & Cherry Blossoms

• Tulip Festival (March–April): Over 2 million Dutch tulips blanket the park, with Roman Square and the North Gate area as prime viewing spots.

• Cherry Blossoms: Stroll paths near White Sand Beach for stunning pink cherry aisles, often peaking in late March.

Year-Round Activities

• Boating: Rent electric or paddle boats at the White Sand Beach dock to enjoy Linglong Lake.

• Fishing: Designated fishing areas are available in the "Lakeside Wetland" zone (bring your own gear).

• Photography: Capture Roman Square’s architecture, the park’s sculptural寓言雕塑 (parable sculptures), and the seamless blend of flowers, water, and sky.

• Address: 288 Guangzhong West Road, Jing’an District.

• Metro: Take Line 1 to Shanghai Circus World Station (马戏城站). Use Exit 3 and walk about 400 meters to the North Gate.

• Bus: Multiple routes serve the park, including buses 767, 912, 46, 95 (stops near North or East Gates).

• Admission: The park offers free entry to all visitors.

• Opening Hours: The park is open from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with last entry at 9:30 PM.

• Inside the Park: You'll find vending machines for drinks and snacks. For a better selection, consider bringing your own water and light snacks.

• Nearby Malls (5-10 minutes by taxi):

  • Daning Jiu Guang Center: A large shopping mall with diverse dining options.

  • Daning Music Plaza and Daning International Commercial Square also offer numerous restaurants and cafes.

• Best Time to Visit: For the Tulip Festival, weekday mornings are ideal to avoid massive crowds. Light is best for photography around 9 AM or during the late afternoon "golden hour".

• Smart Route: Enter through the North Gate to efficiently see the White Sand Beach, cherry blossoms, and head towards the Roman Square tulips.

• What to Bring: Sunscreen, hats, and a reusable water bottle. For families, bringing kids' sand toys for the beach is a great idea.

• Check Forecasts: "Spring weather is changeable". A sudden shower can happen, so carrying a light rain jacket or umbrella is wise.

Daning Lingshi Park is more than a green space—it's where Shanghai breathes. As you stand on the Roman Square with a mosaic of tulips at your feet, or watch sunlight dance on the lake's surface from the white sand beach, you'll find a rare tranquility.  Take home not just photos, but the feeling of having discovered the city's peaceful, blooming heart.