Escape the concrete jungle at the Shanghai Botanical Garden, a sprawling 200-acre oasis filled with exotic flora, tranquil paths, and family-friendly fun.
997 Longwu Rd, Xuhui District, Shanghai, China, 200231 Get directions
"With over 50,000 plants and more than 100 different species, the Shanghai Botanical Garden is a true oasis in a busy city. If you're craving the flora and fauna that you can't get in a concrete jungle, slip in here for a few hours of green, plus some much-appreciated peace and quiet. Tip: for a true summer respite, head into the bamboo forest. Open 8:30 – 17:00 daily Tickets 40 RMB (All inclusive) By AFAR Traveler , AFAR Local Expert"
Absolutely incredible peaceful place in the busy city. The Penjing/Bonsai garden was jaw dropping.
Arman Khachatryan
Google
The bonsai collection includes a 400-year-old juniper trained using copper wires that have fossilized into the bark. In the medicinal herb garden, QR codes reveal how each plant's chemical compounds interact with human biology. The tropical greenhouse maintains 90% humidity using a passive system of water curtains and stone evaporation walls—no electrical humidifiers needed. Spring brings a spectacular display of peonies bred to bloom sequentially, creating a "wave" effect across the beds.
Loire C
Google
Great! Many gardens for typical plant/ flowers, greenhouses for tropical and Succulent plants.
The cymbidium room is not a "room", it is big garden housing Chinese orchids, many of them are precious bonsais. The history of this cymbidium room (70 years) is longer than the whole botanical park (40+ years).
Free entry, needs pre-booking online, particular halls, greenhouses require entry fees but very cheap.
WEI-WU CHEN
Google
Lovely place to visit, lots flowers and plant, most of them I have never seen and heard. There are several areas to demonstrate specified topic. It is worthy to stay half day with happy mind and camera to capture all of them. Recommend season is the spring, summer days will be hard for kids and the old. Opening time starts from 0700, entrance fee is free for age over 70.
S G
Google
Beautiful garden with frequent exhibitions and always something different in season/bloom. The indoor conservatories are fantastic and a favourite of the kids.
There is an atmosphere of peace, tranquility, exploration and fun underlying the entire park.
The garden is huge - too big to see (and walk) everything in one day. It's a popular spot for day visits, many families bring tents and enjoy the weather and the environment.
The permanent gardens are beautiful - lots of flowers/trees/plants of the varieties. Employees here are very friendly an helpful.
There are MANY public washrooms, snack vendors (including ice cream for the kids and ramen) so walking is not a concern. But many people use the bus or the seated bicycle pedi-cabs that are available and they are worth it.
If you are a photographer or have an interest in it be sure to check out the numerous hobbyists around the park, some of the equipment is spectacular and they are very helpful with advice in improving shots.
Jowita Pe.
Google
Probably the most beautiful botanical garden I've had the opportunity to see in my life. A huge area. Nowhere else have I seen so many plant species and species that you can't see anywhere else. Very neat place. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in plants and not only. Great place for a walk to be among nature. The restaurant in the garden is very good.
Ryan Carless
Google
Spent a wonderful couple of hours at Shanghai's Botanical Garden on a very warm day. I went at the start of April and the whole park was very colourful and beautiful. You could take a ride on a cart or on a boat if you wanted to. There are small restaurants and places to grab drinks/food. You could spend hours at the park going down the various paths, the park has plenty of grassy areas (with and without shade) where you can sit and have a picnic. A great place to go whether by yourself, as a couple, with friends or with family!
Price: 15RMB for just the entrance fee. 40RMB if you want to get into extra areas in the park such as the Conservatory.
Short 10 minute walk South from Shilong Road (Line 3) Subway Station.
Mark Lee
Google
Nicely maintained with wide paths, clear signs, open spaces and quiet little corners for one meditate, Tai chi with friends and even play Badminton.
There is a huge green house, spice garden and what looks like a historical building open for visitors.
Great place to go for a jog