I can't believe that in the heart of Shanghai city... I stumbled into a forest oxygen bar

At 7:30 on a weekend morning, I got up and headed to the Western Suburb Guesthouse, a place mysteriously known as the "414 Guesthouse," which used to be a residence and walking spot for heads of state from many countries. Now, part of the area is open to the public for free.

I originally just wanted to take a casual stroll, but as soon as I entered, it felt like stepping into a magical barrier. On the Phoenix Tree Avenue, golden sunlight scattered like fragments of gold, century-old camphor trees emitted a mossy scent in the breeze, egrets flapped their wings as they skimmed over the mirror-like lake surface. Isn't this the green wonderland of the Magic City?

Key highlights of the forest trail:

1. Phoenix Tree Secret Corridor · The same walking path as world leaders: The trunks here are thicker than a person, and the tree crowns intertwine to form an arched canopy. Looking up, light spots flicker between the leaves as if dancing. These ancient trees are the original forest preserved since the garden was built in 1960, full of historical weight.
2. Swan Lake Highlight · A royal classic scene: Black swans patrol the lake with their chicks, willow branches gently brushing the water, like a poetic painting. The pavilion in the center of the lake also witnessed the important historical moment when Nixon and Zhou Enlai signed the Sino-US Joint Communiqué, full of stories.
3. Mossy Mini Forest · Magical 5℃ cooling: A carpet of pine needles and a waterfall formed by ferns. Here, any photo taken with your phone looks like a forest masterpiece, and it seems to have magic that makes you feel a noticeable drop in temperature.

A blood-and-tears warning: There are many mosquitoes here, so it’s recommended to take anti-mosquito measures. If possible, wear sneakers and long pants to better protect yourself.

Tips: The guesthouse is divided into guest areas and public areas, with the open area accessible from "Gate 4." The guest area has a larger touring area, better scenery, and fewer visitors, but you need a hotel room card to enter the core area. The morning light from 7 to 9 AM is stunning for photos, but visitors gradually increase after 10 AM. There are no convenience stores inside the park, so remember to bring water and snacks.

Location: Western Suburb Guesthouse (Hongqiao Road)

Transportation: Exit 3 of Shuicheng Road Station on Metro Line 10, then an 8-minute walk to reach the destination.

Post by 42Reed~Avery | Aug 19, 2025