Songjiang Fangta Garden in Shanghai: A Hidden Millennium Scroll in the Magic City

【Introduction】: On the edge of the bustling city of Shanghai, Songjiang Fangta Garden shines like a pearl forgotten by time, exuding a rustic and enchanting aura. Located at No. 235 Zhongshan East Road, Songjiang District, it is a garden centered around historical relic buildings. Stepping into Fangta Garden is like entering an ancient painting—the flying eaves and upturned corners of the Song Dynasty square pagoda, the brick carvings of the Ming Dynasty screen wall, the simple charm of the Qing Dynasty Tianfei Palace, combined with the garden’s bamboo groves, clear waters, and blooming flowers. Any angle you snap is a vintage-style masterpiece with a natural filter. Whether it’s Hanfu photoshoots, retro film photography, or atmospheric casual shots, every inch of light and shadow here will make your social media likes skyrocket. It’s definitely a must-visit travel photography spot in Shanghai!

🕘【Opening Hours】: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Recommended Visit Duration: It’s suggested to reserve about 1.5 to 2 hours to leisurely enjoy all the attractions inside the garden.
Note: Ticket sales stop at 4:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid missing entry.

💴【Ticket Prices】: Admission to Fangta Garden is 12 RMB per person. Half-price tickets (6 RMB per person) are available for those who meet one of the following criteria:
1. Minors aged over 6 and up to 18 (inclusive);
2. Seniors aged 60 (inclusive) to under 65;
3. Full-time university students with undergraduate or lower education.

⛺【Attractions】:
Song Dynasty Square Pagoda: Built during the Northern Song Dynasty’s Xining to Yuanyou periods, the pagoda stands 42.65 meters tall with nine square tiers. Although it leans 62 centimeters northwest, it has stood firm for over a thousand years, an astonishing sight. Copper bells hang from the eaves, and when the breeze blows, capturing the dynamic moment is full of spirit. The bell’s clear and pleasant chime seems to tell ancient stories. When sunlight filters through the nine tiers, the pagoda glows with a warm golden hue, perfectly complemented by the bluestone paths and moss below, maximizing the ancient vibe. The view from the top offers excellent photo opportunities, capturing the entire garden and Sun Moon Lake in one frame.
Ming Dynasty Screen Wall: Located north of the pagoda, this screen wall was built in the third year of the Hongwu reign. Originally part of the city god temple’s front gate in Songjiang Prefecture, it is one of the oldest, most exquisite, and best-preserved large brick carving art treasures in Shanghai and nationwide. The carvings of mythical beasts, animals, and objects feature smooth lines, making it a naturally exquisite backdrop! When sunlight hits at an angle, the carvings’ three-dimensional effect is especially strong. Wearing Hanfu and shooting silhouettes with side backlighting here perfectly blends the brick patterns with the subject’s outline, creating a rich atmosphere.
Tianfei Palace: Founded in the ninth year of the Guangxu reign in the Qing Dynasty, Tianfei Palace was formerly the Shunji Temple and is the remaining Mazu temple relic in the Shanghai area. The grand hall is magnificent, showcasing exquisite brick and wood craftsmanship. Standing on the steps in front of the hall and framing people with the doorway instantly creates a classical composition. Shooting on rainy days is even better—the wet eaves and ground reflections produce poetic ink painting-style photos.
Strolling Through the Bamboo Grove: The eastern part of Fangta Garden features a 25-acre bamboo grove, a major highlight and an excellent spot for fresh, natural photos! The drooping branches of Phoenix tail bamboo form a curtain, with sunlight filtering through the leaves creating dappled light spots. Walking along the bamboo path in light-colored clothes, every shot naturally has a soft forest-style glow. Find a thatched pavilion, sit on a stone bench, and use the bamboo leaves as a blurred foreground while focusing on a person’s profile or hand movements for a particularly storytelling image.
Boating on Sun Moon Lake: The clear, shimmering waters of Sun Moon Lake lie in front of the pagoda. Boating on the lake while admiring the surrounding scenery with the pagoda as a backdrop adds a lively texture to photos. Capturing the moment when the wind lifts your hair feels natural and relaxed. At dusk, the lake’s surface ripples with golden hues, giving photos a warm filter effect. On the east side of the lake, a mound made from excavated lake mud is planted with flowers and trees, complementing the water to form a beautiful landscape painting.

🚌【Transportation Guide】:
Public Transport: From Shanghai Stadium Bus Hub, take the express Hù-Sōng line directly to Fangta Garden Station; Songjiang bus routes 2, 4, 7, 11, 17, and 26 also stop at Fangta Garden Station;
Subway Line 9 to Songjiang University Town Station, transfer to bus 7 to Fangta Garden; Line 9 to Songjiang Sports Center Station, transfer to bus 17 to Fangta Garden; Line 9 to Zuibaichi Station, transfer to bus 26 to Fangta Garden (choose one).
Driving: If driving, set your navigation to “Shanghai Songjiang Fangta Garden.” There are no traffic restrictions within Songjiang District. Parking is available at the underground lot of Yun Jian New World Plaza (No. 249 Zhongshan East Road) or the Fangta South Road public parking lot (near the intersection of Fangta South Road and Songhui East Road).

👉【Itinerary Suggestions】:
Nearby Attractions: Zuibaichi Park is a classical Jiangnan garden with lush ancient trees, pavilions, and winding paths, offering a different style from Fangta Garden and worth a visit to experience diverse garden beauty. The Guangfulin Cultural Relics Site, known as the “Root of Shanghai,” features ancient architectural ruins and rich cultural exhibitions, providing deep insight into Shanghai’s historical and cultural origins.
Recommended Accommodation: Atour Hotel Shanghai Songjiang Zhongshan East Road, located in the heart of Songjiang District, offers a great location and convenient transportation. It’s only a six-minute walk to Fangta Garden. The surrounding area has ample dining and shopping options, elegant surroundings, and attentive service. Atour’s pure cotton bedding helps relieve fatigue after a day of sightseeing for a restful night. The hotel’s panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows allow guests to enjoy the Songjiang night view, refreshing the mind and spirit.

🧡【Preparation Before Your Trip】:
Clothing: In summer, take sun protection and heat prevention measures. Bring lightweight, breathable clothes, sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Other Items: Carry a water bottle to stay hydrated; bring some snacks to replenish energy during your visit; and insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.