Shanghai's Urban Oasis: A Deep Dive into Gongqing Forest Park

Located in Shanghai's Yangpu District, Gongqing Forest Park covers an area of approximately 1,965 acres and is the only 4A national forest park in the Shanghai metropolitan area featuring a forest landscape. Once an industrial ruin, the park was transformed into an ecological park in 1986 and has become a ‘green lung’ for city dwellers to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. More than 200 species of trees are planted in the park, including cherry blossoms, red maples and sequoias, and the scenery varies from season to season, with cherry blossoms as snowy as snow in spring and red leaves like fire in autumn.

Urban Oasis: Only 30 minutes away from the city centre, you can experience the natural ecology of forests, wetlands and lakes.

Historical Transformation: From industrial land to ecological park, witness the miracle of Shanghai's urban renewal.

莫奈花园 Monet's Garden: Designed after an Impressionist painting, the spring hydrangea sea and autumn maple leaf promenade look like oil paintings.
水森林湿地 Wetland : Inhabited by egrets and other birds, the wooden walkway is suitable for observing the ecology.
松涛幽谷 Pine Valley: The stone paths between the cedar forests, the sound of pine waves and birdsong are intertwined, full of healing power.

森林小火车 Forest Train: Travelling through 2 kilometres of forest tracks, you can experience the fairy tale-like Wizard of Oz.
攀岩与卡丁车 Rock Climbing & Karting: For young thrill-seekers .
烧烤区 BBQ Zone: Pre-booked, ideal for family gatherings.

Early morning hike: Enter the park before 7am and catch the Tyndall effect of the morning light filtering through the trees.
Autumn Foliage Hunt: In November, the red maples and ginkgoes are intertwined, so we recommend the ‘Autumn Forest in the Evening’ scenic spot.

Children's play area: Forest train, rock climbing, swings, let the children enjoy the discharge.
Hand Rowing Boat Experience: Rafting on the Surplus Lake, RMB 50/hour, feel the water town style.

Hidden camera positions: Waterwood Avenue Gazebo, Monet's Garden Arch Bridge, 100 per cent film output.

Address: No. 2000 Jungong Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai (West Gate).

Transportation Guide:

• Metro: Take Line 8 to Shiguang Road Station and transfer to Bus 537, or to Xiangyin Road Station and transfer to Bus 102.
• Shuttle Service: Free seasonal weekend bus (spring/autumn) runs from Shiguang Road Station (Line 8) directly to the West Gate (8:00-18:00, every 15 minutes).
• Driving: Parking is limited; recommended to use Gangshui Road temporary parking lot (open on holidays).

Tickets: Free admission, no reservation required.

Activity Fees:

• Forest Train: ¥30 per person
• Hand-Powered Boat: ¥50 per hour

Located next to Sakura Avenue, offering light meals and tea (08:00-17:00).

Bring your own ingredients or rent a grill on-site (reservation required).

A Shanghainese restaurant outside the South Gate, famous for Braised Pork and Drunken Crab.

Near Jiangwan Stadium Station (Metro Line 10), featuring global cuisines (recommended: Vietnamese Pho at PHO Store).

Avoid Crowds: The park is busiest on weekends from 10:00-15:00; it's recommended to visit on weekdays or early mornings.

What to Wear: Wear comfortable sports shoes, bring mosquito repellent in summer, and pack a warm coat in winter.

Hidden Perks: The park offers free Wi-Fi, making it easy to share beautiful photos in real-time.

Eco-Friendly Actions: Participate in the "Green Volunteers" event on the first Saturday of each month to help clean up wetland litter.

Gongqing Forest Park is where Shanghai’s heartbeat syncs with nature—a place to breathe, play, and rediscover the wild within the city. Pack your picnic, lace up your shoes, and let the forest tell its story.