Shanghai Parks and Gardens

(Shanghai, China)

Central Shanghai may have the appearance of a bustling, modern city, but you are often surprisingly close to areas of green, gardens and spreading parks. One of the most popular parks in Shanghai is Fuxing Park, which is especially famous for its statues of Karl Marx and Friedrich Engel, in front of which Chinese couples often like to practice ballroom dancing.

Also of interest within the city is the highly acclaimed Shanghai Botanical Garden, with its extensive plant collections, and the ancient and traditional Chinese Yu Gardens.

Yu Yuan Gardens

Address: 132 An Ren Road, Pu Xi, Shanghai, 31 200000, China, CN
Tel: +86 021 6326 0830
The 400-year-old Yu Gardens have been recognised as an important national heritage site and are a remarkable illustration of a southern Chinese-style garden. Among the highlights is the Jade Exquisite-one of East China's three most famous jade stones. A loud and bustling shopping bazaar has sprung up around the site. Here you can hone your bargaining skills while shopping for souvenirs and gifts.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 17:00
Admission: charge

Shanghai Botanical Garden

Address: 1100 Long Wu Road, Shanghai, 200231, China, CN
Tel: +86 021 6436 5523
Sited within the Pu Dong area of the city, the Shanghai Botanical Garden is full of colour, with many mature plants and flowers providing seasonal interest throughout the year. Highlights within the gardens include large maple trees, fragrant summer roses, a collection of orchids, a playground area for children, food stands and seating areas.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge

Fuxing Park

Address: 2A Gao Lan Lu, Shanghai, 200135, China, CN
Tel: +86 021 6372 0662
This former private estate in the French Concession area was bought by foreign residents and opened to the French community on 14th July, 1909. Popularly known as French Park, it is styled after a classic Parisian city park with wide, tree-lined promenades and flower beds. Shanghai's Fuxing Park is home to several restaurants and nightclubs, lovely fountains, a kid's playground, a rose garden and over 100 different kinds of trees.
Open hours: daily - 06:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge