Shanghai Botanical Garden Guide

The Shanghai Botanical Garden is a calm, leafy escape in the south-west of the city, far from the crowds of the centre. It opened in the 1970s and now holds thousands of plant species in a series of themed gardens, greenhouses and lawns. It is a favourite with local families, photographers and plant lovers, and it rewards a slow wander.

The themed gardens

The grounds are divided into collections, each with its own mood. There are gardens of roses, magnolias, azaleas, maples, bamboo and medicinal herbs, and paths wind among them, with ponds and small bridges. Signs usually show names in Chinese and Latin, with some English. The mix of formal beds and wilder corners means there is always something to see, whatever the season.

The bonsai garden

One of the highlights is the garden of penjing, the Chinese art of miniature landscapes, which is related to the better-known Japanese bonsai. Tiny trees are trained and arranged with rocks and moss to suggest whole mountains and valleys, and the best ones are decades or even centuries old. Take your time here, because the detail is extraordinary, and look at the pots, the roots and the shape of each tree.

The greenhouses

Large glasshouses hold collections from warmer parts of the world, including palms, orchids, cacti and tropical fruit trees. They make a handy refuge on a wet or cold day, and children enjoy the exotic plants and the warm, damp air. Some greenhouses need a separate ticket, so verify the options at the gate.

Seasons in the garden

Spring is the most popular season, when magnolias, cherry trees, tulips and azaleas bloom one after another. Summer brings lotus and waterlilies, autumn has golden leaves and chrysanthemums, and winter offers plum blossom and camellias. Flower shows are held at set times through the year, so see the calendar if you want to catch one.

Tickets and hours

There is an entrance fee, and the garden is open from morning to late afternoon every day. Prices and hours change, so check before you set out. Cafes and shops are limited, so bring water and snacks if you plan a long stay. Benches are plentiful, and the paths are mostly flat and easy.

Walking and resting

The garden is large, so wear comfortable shoes and plan a loop rather than trying to see everything. Start at the greenhouses if the weather is poor, or at the penjing garden if it is fine, and finish near the main lake, where benches and shade make a pleasant place to rest. Photography is welcome, but tripods may need permission, and picking flowers is forbidden.

Getting there

The garden lies in the south-west of the city, and a taxi or ride app is the easiest way to reach it from the centre. Confirm the nearest metro stop on a map app, and allow time for a short walk or a bus connection. The ride from the centre takes about thirty to forty minutes.

Pairing it well

The garden fits neatly into a south-west day with Longhua Temple and the riverside museums of the West Bund. For a bigger park with lakes and bikes, Century Park is the better option, while Fuxing Park is the best for local life.

When to go

Weekday mornings are the quietest and the best for photography. Weekends in spring are crowded, with families and picnickers, and holidays can be very busy. Avoid the middle of the day in summer, when the heat can be draining.

What to skip

You do not need to see every section, and you can skip the garden if you only have a short stay and prefer city sights. If you love plants, give it half a day, and if you do not, an hour is plenty.