Shanghai Tour 5 - Southwestern City Centre

Explore the greatness of the cycling route and the diverse beauty of the serene parks in urban Shanghai.

Total distance: 14.5 km (46.7 km personally) | Total Hours : 6 Hours (Heavy Biking, Heavy Touring)

Main Destinations:

1. Shanghai Botanical Gardens (上海植物园)

2. Zhongshan Park (中山公园)

3. Changfeng Park (长风公园)

   
   

Map :

Map of Shanghai Tour 6 Destinations

Main Blog:

On May 16th, Bike In Shanghai embarked on an exciting journey through the southern and western parts of the city's most developed regions, primarily touring urban parks.

1.     Shanghai Botanical Gardens (上海植物园)

Shanghai Botanical Gardens is a spacious and tranquil park in southern Xuhui District, seamlessly blending diverse plant species, peaceful footpaths, and traditional pavilions. It’s a popular destination for eco-touring, birdwatching, and relaxation.

I entered the Shanghai Botanical Gardens through Gate 3 on a clear, sunny morning. To the south, the park is bordered by quiet residential neighborhoods, while to the north, it meets the noisy, bustling city.

The southwestern portion of the park is mainly composed of oak forests, with a variety of ground vegetation that provides shade beneath the blazing sun.

As you walk through, you may come across cultural pavilions that showcase traditional significance while offering travelers a peaceful place to unwind. Since exploring the entire park can be time-consuming and tiring, taking a break inside one of these pavilions is a wise choice. Not only can you rest, but you can also enjoy the cool breeze and the soothing sounds of birds chirping.

If you prefer soaking up the sun, you’ll find plenty of chairs scattered throughout the park where you can rest or even sunbathe. Just don’t forget to bring sunscreen—the sun can be relentless on clear days. I learned that the hard way after a long day of biking and sightseeing without applying any, and ended up with a bit of sunburn.

As I wandered along the pathways, I stumbled upon a peaceful pocket of nature dotted with a few creeks. Each one shimmered with clear water, tiny fish darting about, and algae gently swaying along the creek beds. Just a few steps upstream, a small waterfall revealed itself, tucked away beyond the rocky meanders.

As I mentioned earlier, the sun can be relentless, and I found myself growing thirsty in no time. To cool off, I made a quick stop at a small shop and treated myself to a cold, refreshing bottle of water and a popsicle.

There are several of these shops scattered throughout the park. However, the goods they sell are typically priced 2 to 3 RMB higher than usual.

If you continue traveling northwards, you’ll reach a lake. When I arrived, what caught my eye was the reflection of trees and buildings shimmering on the surface—and how the ripples gently blurred them, like brushstrokes on water.

If you're feeling bored, try gazing into the lake—you might spot underwater creatures like fish or snails drifting beneath the surface. I do this all the time, since I love comparing the species I find in lakes and ponds across different parks. Just don’t get too close to the lake—it might be dangerous, and you could fall in.

Just like many other parks in Shanghai, this place feels like a haven for jogging. The paths are wide, the atmosphere is mostly quiet, and you’re free to choose your own route. Different areas of the Shanghai Botanical Garden showcase distinct styles and vegetation. From tropical and mountainous biomes to themed gardens like the bamboo forest and the rose garden, each region offers something unique to discover.

Exotic plants—those from other climates or species not suited to Shanghai’s weather—are housed in climate-controlled greenhouses. These striking, round glass structures are highly reflective and can be found in the western and central areas of the park.

Unfortunately, when I arrived, the building was closed for construction, so I couldn’t take any photos of the interior. I’ll definitely return once it reopens—there’s something captivating about seeing rare plants up close in their carefully curated environments.

2.     Zhongshan Park (中山公园)

Zhongshan Park is a serene, tranquil, and spacious retreat tightly nestled within the bustling district of Changning. It features several wide-open areas, including a large lawn and a variety of smaller green spaces.

After biking for about 10 kilometres, I arrived at Zhongshan Park—one of Shanghai’s most beloved green spaces. Spanning over 200,000 square metres, the park traces its origins back to 1914. It was originally established by the British during their concession period and was known as Zhaofeng Park, named after the British firm Jenner Hogg & Co. In 1944, it was renamed Zhongshan Park in honor of Sun Yat-sen, the founding father of the Republic of China.

As I ventured inside, I saw many individuals casually strolling about, as if nothing in the world concerned them. I felt the same. I quickly let go of my academic burdens and worries, blending in with the relaxed rhythm of the park.

As you can see in the photo, many of the pathways are wide, allowing the park to comfortably accommodate a large number of visitors—mainly elderly locals—even without factoring in the expansive open areas like the lawn.

The photo in the top-left depicts a serene river bordered by calm trees—an iconic sight in many Shanghai parks. Pavilions like the one shown are common throughout China. Though often quiet, they come alive when elderly locals gather for social activities like playing mahjong.

In the eastern portion of the park, you’ll find a spacious lawn where people often gather for recreational activities like playing frisbee or enjoying a family picnic. Occasionally, families bring their own footballs and small goalposts, turning the space into a lively mini match—which is always fun to watch.

Another common feature of Shanghai parks is the presence of lily-covered ponds, often home to familiar species of fish. The blend of tranquil water and dense tree cover creates a soothing, relaxed atmosphere throughout the park. It’s only within the park that you’ll experience this kind of calm. Just one step outside, and you’re swept into the lively rhythm of Shanghai’s diligent, persevering workers.

Not only is Zhongshan Park an ideal spot for leisurely strolls and quiet reflection, it’s also alive with the graceful movements of martial arts practitioners—particularly those devoted to tai chi. As you might expect, it’s rare to see young people joining in. Instead, the park becomes a sanctuary for older generations, who gather each morning to stay physically active, nurture their health, and foster a sense of community through shared routines and gentle conversation.

After looping through the park, I decided to wrap up the day’s ride with a visit to the Museum of the Shanghai Cohesion Project (上海凝聚力工程博物馆). Tucked away in a quiet corner, this museum offers a compelling look into how the city’s government has supported diverse communities by strengthening social bonds and extending help to those in need.

The exhibitions highlight initiatives like the free refurbishment of aging buildings and long-overdue improvements to road infrastructure—efforts that have quietly transformed neighborhoods over the past few decades. One section traces the development of specific communities from the 1960s to the present, offering a fascinating glimpse into Shanghai’s evolving urban landscape.

In essence, the museum captures a significant slice of the city’s modern history. If you're curious about Shanghai’s recent past and the stories behind its social progress, this spot is well worth a visit. Alternatively, you might want to check out the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (上海城市规划展示馆) near People’s Square—which I’ll cover in another installment of my Bike in Shanghai series.

There are plenty of ways to get to Zhongshan Park. If you ask me—aside from biking, of course—I’d definitely recommend taking the metro (Line 2/3/4). One of the station exits opens directly onto the southern gate along Changning Road, making it a smooth and convenient entry point.

On the northern edge of the park, near Wanhangdu Road, I found myself standing on a bridge, gazing ahead as subway trains passed beside. There’s something quietly hypnotic about watching them glide by. That moment of stillness always calms my mind and gives me the energy to finish the ride.

Of course, you can also take the bus, or simply walk if you happen to be nearby. However you arrive, Zhongshan Park offers a refreshing pause in the city’s rhythm—and a few unexpected moments of peace.

2.     Changfeng Park (长风公园)

This expansive green space in western Changning District offers a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz. Locals gather along its shady paths, enjoying the calm and quiet. At the center lies a large lake—perfect for a scenic pause or a leisurely stroll.

After biking roughly two kilometres from Zhongshan Park along the scenic Suzhou Creek, I arrived at my third and final destination for the day. To my right stood the southern entrance to Changfeng Park—quiet, inviting, and framed by greenery.

Curious to see what lay beyond the gates, I quickly hopped off my bike and stepped into the park. One important note: cycling isn’t allowed inside Changfeng Park—or any of the parks featured so far in the Bike in Shanghai series. If you try to ride through, the guards will promptly stop you.

The park features a massive lake at its center, encircled by a wide, circular path that invites a leisurely stroll. I turned right upon spotting the water and soon came across a boat rental station offering lake tours. Unless you're absolutely set on trying it, I wouldn’t recommend it—the rental prices are steep. Beyond that, the paths are lined with lush greenery: towering trees, dense foliage, and charming little shrubs. Every so often, I’d pass familiar elderly locals, slowly making their rounds and catching up with old friends—a quiet rhythm that gives the park its gentle soul.

I eventually circumnavigated the lake, crossing several bridges and sticking to the main path. But truthfully, that’s hardly necessary if you’re hoping to immerse yourself in the full beauty of Changfeng Park. Dozens of smaller trails branch off from the main loop, weaving through thick greenery and quiet corners. My advice? Slow down, wander freely, and let the park reveal itself one path at a time.

You can reach Changfeng Park by cycling along Suzhou Creek, as I did, or by taking any other scenic route that suits your mood. Of course, if you're feeling a bit lazy—or just want to skip the ride—the metro is a perfectly good option too (Line 15).

This marks the end of our fifth Shanghai tour, and I hope you all enjoy it as much as we did. Stay tuned for our bimonthly trip updates!