Gucun Park, Shanghai: A Four-Season Ecological Wonderland in the Urban Oasis

## 1. Park Overview
**Gucun Park** is located in Gucun Town, Baoshan District, Shanghai, covering a total planned area of about 430 hectares. It is the largest suburban forest park in Shanghai, equivalent to the size of three Century Parks. The park is centered on the themes of "ecology, leisure, and entertainment," and is developed in two phases: Phase one covers 180 hectares with a layout of "one axis, one belt, three zones, and seven gardens"; Phase two covers 244.7 hectares, planned with themed areas including "one arc, one axis, two belts, and three zones," integrating water systems, wetlands, forests, and pastoral scenery to create an ecological space where humans and nature coexist harmoniously.

### Location and Transportation
The park stretches from Hutai Road in the east to Chenguang Road in the west, adjacent to Gucun Park Station on Metro Line 7, with Exit 2 just a short walk away. For drivers, it is accessible via the Outer Ring Expressway Hutai Road exit, with nearly 4,000 parking spaces available nearby (10 RMB per visit).

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## 2. Core Scenic Highlights
### 1. Four-Season Flower Viewing Feast
- **Spring Cherry Blossoms**: The east-west Cherry Blossom Avenue connects nine major cherry blossom viewing areas. The Cherry Blossom Festival is held annually from March to April, where visitors can stroll through seas of pink flowers.
- **Summer Lotus Viewing**: A 2.5-hectare lotus pond blooms in July and August, accompanied by family activities and traditional opera performances, showcasing the poetic scene of "lotus leaves reaching the sky."
- **Autumn Osmanthus Appreciation**: The Ginkgo Avenue is carpeted with golden fallen leaves, and the fragrance of osmanthus fills the air, creating a fairy-tale autumn atmosphere.
- **Winter Plum Blossom Search**: The plum garden emits a subtle fragrance, with magpies perched on branches, revealing the vitality of winter.

### 2. Unique Themed Areas
- **Oriental Bird World**: A 25-hectare bird paradise home to over 80 species and more than 600 rare birds, including interactive exhibits like Flamingo Bay and Peacock Downhill Performances.
- **Natural Valley Dinosaur Park**: A 100,000-square-meter Jurassic world featuring over 60 lifelike dinosaurs combined with 7D movies and archaeological experiences, perfect for family adventures.
- **Water Sports Base**: Kayaking, jet skiing, and other water activities are available at Yuelin Lake, offering both active and relaxing options.
- **Forest Leisure Area**: Facilities include a cage football field, tennis courts, and a forest theater, catering to sports and relaxation needs.

### 3. Wild Charm and Cultural Integration
The park preserves original village rivers, creating wetland landscapes and boardwalks that attract birds such as sparrows and thrushes, with occasional sightings of small animals like weasels. Bridge names retain historical village names from Gucun, such as Qinglong Bridge and Wannian Bridge, preserving regional cultural memories.

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## 3. Practical Visitor Guide
### 1. Tickets and Opening Hours
- **Tickets**: Adults 20 RMB/person, students 10 RMB (student ID required), seniors aged 60-64 pay 16 RMB; free admission for those 65 and older, military personnel, and people with disabilities.
- **Opening Hours**: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM).

### 2. Recommended Routes
- **Family Route**: Children’s Forest Carnival (carousel, forest train) → Dinosaur Park → Oriental Bird World.
- **Nature Exploration**: Cherry Blossom Avenue → Forest Walking Garden (four-season vegetation) → Yuelin Lake water activities.
- **Cultural Leisure**: Exotic Style Garden (Mediterranean, British themes) → Hengshan North Suburb Hotel (garden-style rest area).

### 3. Supporting Facilities
- **Dining**: Cherry Blossom Barbecue Garden (barbecue tables available for rent), Ant Restaurant, Hengshan North Suburb Hotel buffet.
- **Transportation**: Sightseeing bus 10 RMB/ride, bicycle rental 50-100 RMB/hour.
- **Accommodation**: Recommended stays include Huazhu Luxury Resort (European style) and Atour S Hotel (Michelin-starred restaurant).

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## 4. Visitor Tips
- **Best Seasons**: Spring and autumn (March-April Cherry Blossom Festival, September-November Osmanthus Season).
- **Environmental Tips**: No picking flowers or capturing animals; barbecues only allowed in designated areas.
- **Special Events**: Follow the official public account for updates on the Lotus Festival, dinosaur-themed exhibitions, and other temporary events.

Gucun Park is not only a model of ecological construction in Shanghai but also an ideal place for citizens to escape the urban hustle and bustle. Whether for family outings, nature exploration, or cultural experiences, it meets diverse needs and serves as a perfect platform for dialogue between the city and nature.