🌳【Shanghai's hidden "Wizard of Oz"! Gongqing Forest Park: A natural oxygen bar in the heart of the city, where every photo is a forest scene!】🌳

Looking for a hidden gem of a forest in downtown Shanghai for picnics, flower viewing, cycling, and photoshoots? Gongqing Forest Park in Yangpu District is the perfect spot! This national-level forest park is not only a childhood memory for Shanghainese, but also a relaxing haven for young people escaping the city.

🌟Highlights: 1️⃣ A unique sea of flowers in every season: The park organizes a variety of flower exhibitions for each season, such as hydrangeas, chrysanthemums, and daffodils. Beautiful flowers can be seen everywhere. In spring and autumn, there are also vast fields of poppies and jacarandas, making it a perfect alternative to Monet's gardens. No filters are needed for photos!

2️⃣ Classic photo spots: ✅ Pine Valley: A lush, straight metasequoia forest and wooden boardwalk create a mystical atmosphere with a play of light and shadow.
✅ Yinghu Rafting: The lake reflects the tree shadows, making paddling feel like traveling through the Wizard of Oz.
✅ Forest Train: A retro train weaves through the forest, perfect for capturing Japanese-style photography.
✅ Huangpu River Shoreline: The park's east side borders the Huangpu River, offering stunning river views.

3️⃣ Lots of Activities:

· For those who enjoy quiet activities: Lakeside camping, cycling, barbecues, and go-karting.
· For those who prefer quieter activities: Bird watching, sketching, and photography (many Shanghainese women come to check in with their silk scarves!).
· Families: A children's playground, tree planting activities, and the occasional beer festival.

4️⃣ Hidden gem: The park was formerly the Gongqing Nursery, established in 1956, resulting in a dense foliage, including many century-old trees! You might occasionally spot squirrels and hares; the environment is fantastic!

📍Address: 2000 Jungong Road, Yangpu District
🕒Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 5:00 PM (recommended 3-4 hours)
🎫Admission: Free! (Some activities, such as horseback riding and boat tours, require additional fees.)
🚗Transportation:

· Take Metro Line 8 to Shiguang Road Station. From there, ride or take a taxi for about 1.5 kilometers.
· Bus No. 102/124/147 to Forest Park Station.
· Parking is limited for self-drive vehicles, so arrive early on weekends.

👉Tips:

· If you want to take photos of the deserted forest, visit early on weekdays. Weekends are crowded but the atmosphere is lively.
· Bring your own picnic mat, but be careful not to enter the grassy protected area (signs will be posted).
· Always wear sunscreen and mosquito repellent! The mosquitoes in the forest are quite aggressive 😉

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