Stunning! Shanghai’s free autumn flower sea is back!

Stunning! Shanghai’s free autumn flower sea is back!

In Shanghai, autumn is a romantic colorist, the flower sea is a flowing oil painting, and the breeze is a gentle messenger. This is a healing corner for city dwellers and the top autumn hotspot on social media.

Get ready to capture the city’s most dazzling autumn-exclusive romance.

Must-visit Flower Scenes

1. Qiantan South Riverside Green Space · Sulfur Cosmos Terraces

- Why go: The “Little Provence” of Shanghai’s autumn, free yet as beautiful as paid scenic spots.
- Layers of sulfur cosmos spread along the gentle slope, bright yellow and orange-red intertwined like a sun-kissed palette, waving golden waves when the wind blows.
- Wooden boardwalks hidden among the flowers make you feel like you’re in the middle of the flower sea; every shot looks like “walking in a painting.”
- Photo tip: Between 9-10 AM when sunlight slants, petals glow softly; after 4 PM, backlit shots capture the delicate glow of hair strands for a dreamy effect.

2. Gongqing National Forest Park · Kochia Secret Garden

- Why go: From lush green in midsummer to deep red in late autumn, this “color-changing lawn” is performing autumn magic.
- Hundreds of kochia plants cluster together, round and fluffy like red plush balls, looking like a pink cloud descending to earth from afar.
- Paired with the park’s dawn redwood forest and small lakes, every snap has the vibe of a Japanese movie poster.
- Photo tip: Wear light colors (white, beige, light blue), squat at the edge of the flowers for low-angle shots to highlight the layers and fullness of the kochia.

3. Century Park · The Double Delight of Ginkgo and Cosmos

- Why go: One side is a golden ginkgo rain, the other a cosmos ocean—two kinds of autumn romance in one visit.
- The ginkgo avenue at the park’s west gate is turning golden, fallen leaves forming a “golden carpet”; nearby, the large lawn blooms with cosmos in pink, white, and purple, contrasting beautifully with the yellow ginkgo.
- At dusk, the sunset filters through the ginkgo leaves onto the flower sea, tinting the air with a gentle glow.
- Photo tip: Stand under the ginkgo trees and have a friend capture the moment leaves fall from the side; find a high spot in the cosmos to shoot a panorama with the ginkgo forest as the backdrop.

Food Recommendations

- Osmanthus Latte / Fermented Rice Latte: Coffee shops around the flower sea offer autumn specials; hold a warm cup scented with osmanthus and enjoy the flowers for a full atmosphere.
- Sugar-Roasted Chestnuts & Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The tempting aroma from street vendors is irresistible; buy a warm bag of chestnuts to snack on while strolling—an autumn warmth you’ll love.
- Creative Ice Cream: Many park entrances offer autumn-limited maple leaf and ginkgo-shaped ice creams, highly photogenic and perfect as both props and treats.

Transportation Tips

- Qiantan South Riverside Green Space: Take Metro Lines 6/8/11 to Oriental Sports Center Station, then a 10-minute walk to the flower sea entrance.
- Gongqing National Forest Park: Exit at Shiguang Road Station on Metro Line 8, then bike 15 minutes or take Bus 102 directly.
- Century Park: Exit at Century Park Station on Metro Line 2, Exit A, then a 5-minute walk to the west gate ginkgo avenue.

Outfit Suggestions

- Wear light or Morandi colors, such as beige knitwear or light blue dresses, to look fresh and elegant among the flower sea and ginkgo forest.
- Pair with straw hats, woven bags, or scarves to protect from wind and sun while adding autumn atmosphere details to your photos.