Chongming Island: A Hidden Rural Gem in Shanghai

Chongming Island is a secret paradise located just over an hour away from the hustle and bustle of Shanghai. This serene destination is filled with lush green fields, organic farms, conservation areas, and a slow-paced lifestyle. Here are some must-do activities:

🌿 Dongtan Wetlands: This natural habitat is home to the endangered Chinese alligator and serves as a bird conservation area with up to 116 bird species, including rare ones. During migration season, over 3 million birds stop here. Winter, from November to March, is the best time for birdwatching.

🍂 Dongping National Forest Park: Explore the park's trails or try the zipline for an adrenaline rush. The autumn foliage is particularly stunning.

🥬 Farm Life Experience: Chongming Island is known for its large-scale cultivation of fruits and vegetables. Visit a farm to pick seasonal fruits like oranges or yangmei, enjoy local games, or take a boat or bike ride around the farm.

🥢 Local Cuisine: The food here is incredibly fresh, with locally grown produce, home-raised livestock, and seafood straight from the nearby sea.

Getting There:

Option 1: 🚖 Taxi or Didi (Most Convenient)
Perfect for groups of friends or families seeking comfort. The journey takes about an hour from downtown Shanghai and costs approximately ¥200–¥300 per trip.

Option 2: 🚇 + 🚌 Subway + Express Bus (More Budget-Friendly)
Take Subway Line 1 to Wenshui Road Station (汶水路), Exit 4. Then, transfer to the Chongming Express Line (崇明线) bus located outside the station.

Who’s ready to experience rural Shanghai? 🙋🙋

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Post by LocalGuides_TH | Jul 14, 2025