Botanical Expo Garden

Introducing Botanical Expo Garden

The Nanjing Botanical Expo Garden is the newest garden, while the Nanjing Sun Yat-sen Botanical Garden is the older one, founded in 1929 and formerly the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Memorial Botanical Garden. Spanning 68 hectares of land and water, the garden features a tropical botanical palace shaped like three green leaves, housing a tropical flower and fruit section, a tropical rainforest botanical section, and an arid and semi-arid tropical botanical section. Outdoors, the garden also includes a grass garden, an aquatic garden, a rock garden, a spore botanical garden, a forest leisure garden, an urban landscape botanical section, a children's garden, and a botanical garden for the blind.

With a collection of over 3,000 unique and fascinating plant species from around the world, the Nanjing Botanical Expo Garden has become a popular destination for tourism, leisure, and scientific education. Among the exhibits are the "Bottle Pole Tree," native to the Australian desert and known as the "Desert Water Tower," whose trunk swells like a wine bottle and can store approximately two tons of water during the rainy season to survive the long dry season. There's also the "Flying Giant Vine," a vine native to tropical rainforests that soars diagonally from the ground to trees 20 to 30 meters high, earning it the nickname "Flying Giant Vine." And there's the "Sleeping Bag" succulent, the nation's largest, named for its stem's resemblance to the potbelly of Budai Monk.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

Suitable for all seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

It is recommended to visit for about 2 hours

Tickets

45 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

8:30-17:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Botanical Expo Garden

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Botanical Expo Garden in Nanjing was established as part of the 2014 Nanjing International Horticultural Exposition. It serves as a hub for plant conservation, education, and sustainable horticulture, showcasing over 3,000 species of plants from around the world.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Botanical Expo Garden is located in the Jiangnan area of Nanjing, Jiangsu Province. You can take Metro Line 2 and get off at the Botanical Garden station. Alternatively, taxis and buses are convenient options to get there from downtown Nanjing.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The garden is typically open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. The best times to visit are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is mild.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The entrance fee is around 40-60 RMB per person, depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased on-site, or online through the official website or ticketing platforms like Meituan and Alipay.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended to do so during peak seasons (spring and autumn) to avoid long queues. Booking a few days in advance should be sufficient.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore the Botanical Expo Garden, you should allocate around 2 to 3 hours. This will give you enough time to walk through the themed gardens, visit the main attractions, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Tropical Garden, featuring exotic plants and vibrant displays.
• The Water Garden with beautiful ponds, waterfalls, and aquatic plants.
• The Chinese Traditional Garden, showcasing classic Chinese landscaping techniques.
• The Desert Garden, home to cacti and succulents from arid regions.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available at the garden, and can be booked in advance. Audio guides are also available in English and Mandarin to enhance the visitor experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The elevated walkways in the Tropical Garden offer stunning views of the lush plant displays.
• The main water feature with its large ponds and fountains is a great spot for photos.
• The Desert Garden provides a unique backdrop with its striking cacti and rocky landscape.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start your visit with the Tropical Garden, followed by a walk through the Chinese Traditional Garden. Afterward, enjoy the serene Water Garden before heading to the Desert Garden to end the tour. This will give you a balanced experience of all key areas.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

The Botanical Expo Garden generally does not offer night visits. However, special seasonal events, such as light shows or festivals, may be organized, particularly during the Lantern Festival or other national holidays.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The garden can get crowded on weekends and public holidays. For a more peaceful visit, try going early on weekdays, especially in the morning or late afternoon, to avoid large crowds.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The Botanical Expo Garden offers modern facilities, including well-maintained toilets, water fountains, rest areas, and a few cafes for snacks. There are also souvenir shops selling garden-related products and local crafts.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The Botanical Expo Garden is wheelchair accessible and family-friendly. There are paved paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, making it accessible to elderly visitors and children. Rest areas are also available throughout the garden.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Both cash and mobile payments (e.g., Alipay, WeChat Pay) are accepted in the garden. However, credit cards may not be accepted in all areas, so it’s best to carry cash or use mobile payment methods.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are a few cafes within the Botanical Expo Garden offering light snacks and drinks. Nearby, you can find more dining options in Nanjing, including local restaurants serving Jiangsu cuisine.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in some of the restaurants near the Botanical Expo Garden. Halal food may be harder to find, but some international restaurants in Nanjing may offer such options.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Novotel Nanjing Central offers a comfortable stay in the city center.
• The Nanjing Wanda Vista Hotel is a luxury option close to the botanical garden.
• For budget travelers, there are several guesthouses and budget hotels near the garden.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, offering a scenic view of the river.
• The Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum, a cultural and historical landmark in Nanjing.
• East Nanjing Road, a bustling shopping street with many attractions.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Yes, there are souvenir shops inside the Botanical Expo Garden selling plant-themed gifts, local crafts, and garden-related items such as bonsai, seeds, and garden tools.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting the Botanical Expo Garden, you can take a taxi or public transportation (bus or metro) to other parts of Nanjing. The city has an extensive metro and bus network, making it easy to continue your journey to nearby attractions.