Tourism Guide
Discover the green side of Shanghai with this 5-day nature-focused itinerary that combines urban parks, wetlands, botanical gardens, and scenic waterfronts
Duration of 5 Days
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November)
Weather
Mild temperatures with comfortable humidity levels
Transportation
Metro, taxi, and walking between nearby attractions
Language
English signage available at major attractions
Currency
Chinese Yuan (CNY)
Entry Requirements
Valid passport and Chinese visa required
Highlights
This carefully crafted 5-day Shanghai nature tour reveals the city's surprisingly green side. While Shanghai is known for its skyscrapers and urban energy, it also offers beautiful natural escapes perfect for nature lovers. From classical Chinese gardens to modern ecological parks, this itinerary showcases Shanghai's commitment to preserving green spaces amid urban development. You'll explore traditional gardens that embody ancient Chinese philosophy, visit protected wetlands teeming with wildlife, stroll through botanical gardens showcasing diverse plant life, and enjoy scenic waterfront promenades. This tour provides a perfect balance between experiencing Shanghai's famous attractions and discovering its natural beauty.
Itinerary
1Day 1 Classical Gardens and Old Town Charm
Distance：Within the same complex
Huxinting Teahouse is located within Yu Garden complex, just a short walk across the zigzag bridge
Duration: 2-3 minutes
Traditional Tea Experience
12:30-13:30
257 Yuyuan Road Huangpu District ShanghaiEnjoy traditional Chinese tea at the Huxinting Teahouse located in the middle of a pond within the garden complex
Distance：Within the same complex
Yuyuan Bazaar surrounds Yu Garden, easily accessible by walking through the traditional Chinese market streets
Duration: 3-5 minutes
Old Town Discovery
14:00-16:00218 Anren Street, Huangpu District, ShanghaiStroll through the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar and explore the old town area with its traditional architecture and small lanes
2Day 2 Urban Parks and Waterfront Views
Distance：Approximately 8 km
Take Line 2 from Century Park Station to Longyang Road, transfer to Line 16 to Shanghai Botanical Garden Station
Duration: 25-30 minutes
TaxiDirect taxi ride through Pudong district
Duration: 20-25 minutes
Botanical Garden Tour
13:30-16:301111 Longwu Road, Xuhui District, ShanghaiExplore the Shanghai Botanical Garden with its extensive collection of plants, themed gardens, and greenhouse exhibitions
Distance：Approximately 12 km
Take Line 3 from Shanghai Botanical Garden Station to Zhongshan Park, transfer to Line 2 to East Nanjing Road Station
Duration: 35-40 minutes
TaxiCrossing from Pudong to Puxi through downtown traffic
Duration: 30-35 minutes
Bund Waterfront Walk
17:30-19:00Zhongshan East 1st Road Huangpu District ShanghaiEnjoy sunset views along the Bund waterfront promenade with the modern Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River
3Day 3 Wetlands and Ecological Exploration
Distance：Within the same wetland area
The Visitor Center is located at the entrance of Chongming Dongtan Wetland, easily accessible by walking paths
Duration: 5-10 minutes
Ecology Education
16:30-17:30Wetland Park Area Pudong New District ShanghaiLearn about wetland conservation efforts and the importance of these ecosystems for migratory bird species
4Day 4 French Concession and Urban Green Spaces
Distance：Approximately 2 km
Pleasant walk through the historic French Concession area with beautiful architecture
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Shared bikes available throughout the area
Duration: 8-10 minutes
French Concession Walk
11:30-13:30French Concession Area, Huangpu District, ShanghaiExplore the tree-lined streets of the French Concession with its historic architecture and charming cafes
Distance：Approximately 5 km
Take Line 10 from South Shaanxi Road Station to Zhongshan Park Station
Duration: 15-20 minutes
TaxiDirect route through downtown Shanghai
Duration: 15-20 minutes
Zhongshan Park Visit
14:30-16:30780 Changning Road, Changning District, ShanghaiVisit Zhongshan Park featuring classical Chinese garden elements combined with modern park facilities
5Day 5 Modern Parks and Farewell Nature
Distance：Approximately 15 km
Take Line 8 from Xiangyin Road Station to People's Square, transfer to Line 2 to West Nanjing Road Station
Duration: 35-40 minutes
TaxiCrossing from Yangpu district to Jing'an district
Duration: 30-35 minutes
Sculpture Park Visit
13:30-15:30128 Shimen No. 2 Road, Jing'an District, ShanghaiVisit Jing'an Sculpture Park combining contemporary art with green spaces in the heart of the city
Distance：Approximately 3 km
Scenic walk through downtown area to reach the revitalized Suzhou Creek waterfront
Duration: 25-30 minutes
Easy bike ride along dedicated bike lanes
Duration: 10-12 minutes
Suzhou Creek Farewell
16:00-17:30Suzhou Creek Shanghai ChinaFinal stroll along Suzhou Creek waterfront with its revitalized banks and green spaces before departure
Things to Do
- Explore classical Chinese gardens with water features and rockeries
- Visit protected wetlands to observe migratory birds
- Stroll through botanical gardens with diverse plant collections
- Enjoy scenic waterfront walks along the Huangpu River
- Experience traditional tea culture in garden settings
- Discover urban parks with lakes and walking trails
- Visit ecological parks showcasing sustainable design
- Take boat rides through garden waterways
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