Huaihai Park

Introducing Huaihai Park

Huaihai Park is located at No. 177 Huaihai Middle Road, Shanghai. The park is in the shape of a "J", with Pu'an Road to the east, Taicang Road to the south, Nanshi District Gymnasium and Songshan Fire Station to the west, and Huaihai Middle Road to the north.

Huaihai Park opened to the public on July 1, 1958, and was named Huaihai Park. The Luwan District People's Government renovated the park in 1997, and again in 2009. The park covers approximately 25,000 square meters and boasts over 120 species of ornamental plants, including over 40,000 woody plants, with a green space ratio of nearly 70%. The park primarily provides recreation and leisure for visitors, and also hosts various exhibitions, performances, and other small-scale events. In 2003, it was awarded a Shanghai Three-Star Park designation.

The park primarily provides recreational opportunities for visitors, and also hosts exhibitions, performances, and other small-scale events. Since 1958, it has hosted more than 10 flower shows, producing over 2,200 orange-yellow standing chrysanthemums and 3,224 large standing chrysanthemums, as well as six-fold blooms of epiphyllums, peonies and magnolias that bloom one to two months early, and ancient pear trees that bloomed twice. The park has also hosted exhibitions on livestock and poultry, aquatic products, greening, and comprehensive utilization. In 1980, it held a Zhao Dan calligraphy and painting exhibition and invited Shenyang's Cai Shaowu to perform a wall-climbing car and Hu Ronghua to compete in Chinese chess. From January 1 to February 15, 1991, it co-hosted the "Spring Lantern Festival" with the Zhenjiang Jinshan Craft Factory.

Climate and best time to travel

Huaihai Park has a subtropical monsoon climate. It is mainly for tourists to relax and have fun, and also hosts various exhibitions, performances and other small activities. It is suitable for travel in all seasons.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Central garden area, recreational service area, pool and flower beds;

It is recommended to play for 3-4 hours

Tickets

free

Attraction opening hours

7:00-21:00

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Most Popular FAQs for Huaihai Park

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

Huaihai Park was built in the early 20th century and is named after Huaihai Road, one of Shanghai’s major streets. It has served as a popular recreational area for local residents, offering a serene escape from the urban hustle. The park has been renovated over the years to include modern facilities while preserving its traditional Chinese landscape design.

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

Huaihai Park is located in the Xuhui District of Shanghai. It can be easily accessed by metro (Line 1, 7, or 9 to Xujiahui Station), followed by a short walk. Buses and taxis are also convenient options.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Huaihai Park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and the park is less crowded.

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

The entrance to Huaihai Park is free, as it is a public park. However, certain activities like boating or special exhibitions may require a fee.

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

No advance booking is needed for general access to the park. If participating in specific activities like boat rentals, tickets can usually be purchased on-site without the need for booking in advance.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

You can fully explore the park in 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and the activities you choose to engage in, such as boating or photography.

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

• The lake in the center of the park, where visitors can enjoy boating and relax by the water.
• The traditional Chinese garden area with beautiful flowers, ponds, and landscaped greenery.
• The cultural and exercise zones, where locals often practice tai chi or other traditional activities.

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

Currently, there are no official guided tours or audio guides available at Huaihai Park. However, visitors can explore the park on their own or hire a local guide for a more in-depth experience.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The lake offers great reflections of the surrounding trees and traditional architecture, making it a perfect spot for photography.
• The traditional Chinese garden, with its lush greenery and intricate landscaping, is another excellent spot for taking pictures.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

• Start at the park's entrance and stroll around the lake, stopping to take photos of the scenic views.
• Walk through the Chinese-style garden area and enjoy the floral displays and quiet atmosphere.
• Finish with a relaxing break in one of the park's rest areas or join locals in a tai chi session if you're interested.

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

While Huaihai Park is open until 10:00 PM, there are no specific light shows or night tours. However, the park's peaceful ambiance makes it an enjoyable spot for evening walks.

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

The park can get crowded on weekends and public holidays, especially in the afternoon. Weekdays, particularly in the early morning or late evening, are the least crowded times to visit.

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

The park has public restrooms, water fountains, and several rest areas for visitors to relax. There are no large food courts or shops inside the park, but vendors sell snacks and drinks in certain areas.

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

Yes, Huaihai Park is accessible for elderly visitors, children, and people with disabilities. The pathways are well-paved, and there are benches and shaded areas throughout the park for resting.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is not necessary as mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted for activities such as boat rentals and purchases from vendors within the park.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• There are several cafes and restaurants near the park, particularly around Huaihai Road, offering both local and international cuisine.
• Local snack vendors inside the park provide light refreshments, such as tea and traditional snacks.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

There are vegetarian and vegan-friendly restaurants near the park. Halal food options are more limited but can be found in nearby neighborhoods catering to Shanghai’s Muslim population.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Several hotels are located nearby, such as the InterContinental Shanghai and Hotel Massenet at Sinan Mansions.
• Budget options like Ibis Hotel Shanghai and local guesthouses are also available within walking distance.

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

• Jing’an Temple and the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art are nearby and make for great additions to a day trip.
• The former French Concession area is also a short distance away, known for its historic architecture and trendy cafes.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are no large souvenir shops within the park, but nearby local markets and stores offer Shanghai-themed gifts such as postcards, art prints, and traditional crafts.

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

After visiting Huaihai Park, you can easily continue your trip by taking the metro (Line 1 or 10) from Xujiahui Station or hopping into a taxi. Buses are also available for further exploration around Shanghai.