Shanghai Zhongshan Park

Shanghai Zhongshan Park

Shanghai Zhongshan Park was originally the private garden of the British real estate magnate Hogg in old Shanghai. In 1914, it was converted into a concession park. After nearly 90 years of development and construction, it has become an urban park characterized by natural scenery such as large trees, lawns, wooded hills, and water surfaces, blending Chinese and Western garden cultures with profound historical and cultural significance. Recently, to support Shanghai’s efforts in spiritual civilization construction, the park’s infrastructure and landscape were comprehensively renovated, giving the park a brand-new look and earning it the honorary title of “Shanghai Four-Star Park.”

When it comes to Zhongshan Park, longtime Shanghainese know it is primarily designed in the British garden style, supplemented by traditional Chinese gardens, Japanese gardens, and botanical gardens, creating distinct scenic features. It remains the most intact old park in Shanghai in terms of preserving its original landscape style.

Zhongshan Park covers an area of about 200,000 square meters and can be divided into approximately 120 scenic spots of varying sizes. These spots vary by scene and feature unique characteristics. Twelve of these spots have been selected as the “Twelve Scenic Views of Zhongshan Park,” all of which are prominent and representative garden landscapes within the park. The names and descriptions of the twelve scenic views are as follows:

Silver Gate and Layered Greenery (Park South Gate)

The park’s south gate was built in 1917. In 2001, due to the construction of Line 2 of the metro, it was redesigned as an open广场绿地 spanning 16,000 square meters. The original camphor tree grove was preserved, and an elevated arched garden gate and large landscape stones were added, integrating harmoniously with the urban cityscape.

Floral Garden and Fragrant Blossoms (Peony Garden)

The peony garden was built in 1956 and includes the Peony Pavilion (originally a Chinese-style pavilion), which dates back to 1916. Centered around a potted-tree-style flower stand, the garden features 15 peony flower stands of various sizes, echoing the historic charm of the “Dianchun Flower Villa.”

Water Pavilion and Whispering Rain (Chenjia Pond)

To the north of Chenjia Pond is a waterside pavilion. The pond is broad, and the scenery is fresh. In the warm spring season when flowers bloom, willow catkins drift densely along the shore, creating a spectacular view. Coupled with the drizzling spring rain, the fine mist resembles floating silk. Viewing the scenery from the pavilion is refreshing and uplifting, making it one of the best spots in the park for enjoying the rain.

Verdant Lawn and Morning Glow (Large Lawn)

The park features six lawn areas, including a large lawn section covering 8,000 square meters. The lush green expanse offers wide views and is surrounded by numerous scenic spots, rich in natural beauty, representing the essence of the park’s landscape.

Fragrant Garden and Crimson Blooms (Rose Garden)

Roses are the park’s signature flowers. Initially scattered throughout the park, a dedicated rose garden was created to facilitate visitors’ enjoyment of the roses, becoming a renowned rose cultivation site in old Shanghai. In 1956, it was expanded into two sections: a formal rose garden and a natural-style one. In 2001, it was further enlarged to cover an area of 3,300 square meters.

Twin Lakes and Azure Reflections (Mandarin Duck Lake)

Created in 1958 during the park’s expansion by excavating earth to form a lake and hill, the area was later developed with afforestation and lakeside landscaping, forming the Mandarin Duck Lake scenic area where “water gathers in the dips and hills rise in the rises.” The surrounding clear blue waters offer a fresh and serene view.

Lotus Pond and Moonlit Night (Lotus Pond)

The lotus pond was formed in 1937 during the construction of West Hill and became one of the park’s main attractions. The pond is crescent-shaped, backed by the West Hill slope and facing the West Lawn. Its landscaping is distinctive, featuring the four Chinese characters “Zhongshan Park” shaped artistically from boxwood, adding a unique charm.

Forest Garden and Towering Elegance (Landscape Garden)

Utilizing an existing small stream, stone-lined banks were constructed, and natural-style garden features were added, including Taihu rocks, small stone bridges, flower stands, shaded corridors, hillside bamboo pavilions, cascading mountain waterfalls, lotus pond bays, and crevice caves—arranged at varying heights, exquisitely and naturally.

Lone Tree Defying Frost (Large Plane Tree)

According to the annual report of the Municipal Council, the large plane tree came from Italy and was planted by the garden owner Hogg in 1866. It has now endured over 130 years of history. It is now the largest in canopy, thickest in trunk, and tallest in height among plane trees in East China.

Stone Pavilion and Sunset Glow (Marble Pavilion)

The marble pavilion is a Western classical garden structure relocated into the park in 1935 and was listed as a “Shanghai Modern Architectural Heritage Site” in 1999. The pavilion faces the large lawn area, with a backdrop of Dragon juniper trees, exuding a strong European classical garden ambiance.

Rainbow Bridge and Steaming Snow (Granite Bridge)

The Dongnishan Scenic Area features undulating terrain, winding lakeshores, and rippling waters. The granite bridge built in 1959 spans Chenjia Pond, hidden among the camphor trees, situated amid rising mist and drifting fog, creating a profound and tranquil atmosphere.

Legacy of the Old Garden (Rear Park Gate)

The rear gate area was originally the private “Zhao Feng Garden” of the British businessman Hogg. When the garden was converted into a public park in 1914, the gate was established at its current location. For nearly a century, the area has remained lush with trees and retained its original charm, offering a nostalgic ambiance.

Time Required

2 hours

Transportation

Take bus No. 13 or 20 and get off at Zhongshan Park Station

You can take Shanghai Metro Lines 2, 3, or 4 to get there.

Admission

Free

Opening Hours

06:00-18:00

Location

No. 780, Changning Road, Changning District, Shanghai