Guanlong Park

　　Guanlong Park is situated in the northeast corner of Putuo District, bordered by Guanlong Road to the south and the Shanghai–Nanjing Railway to the north. It has a total area of 12,500 square meters, including 6,060 square meters of green space and 170 square meters of water bodies. The park receives 1.277 million visitors annually. It was opened to the public free of charge in 1994.

　　Utilizing ecological principles, the park features landscaping dominated by plants, and includes a pond, fountain, winding bridge, pavilions, trellises, arbors, a teahouse, a kiosk, and a children’s playground. Upon entering the main gate, a 60-square-meter flower bed bursts with vibrant blooms. To the left of the main path lies a pond, beside which stands a two-story teahouse and kiosk where visitors can enjoy tea and take in the scenery. A reinforced concrete winding bridge with iron chain railings, 1.2 meters wide and 10 meters long, spans the pond, connecting the garden path and the teahouse. Though small, the pond water is crystal clear, adorned with blooming lotus flowers, complemented by a mushroom-shaped fountain and colorful lighting that bring the entire scene to life. Beyond the flower bed lies a tree-lined avenue of plane trees, flanked by well-established wisteria-covered trellises. In early April, pale purple wisteria blossoms cascade over the structures, attracting bees and butterflies. Walking eastward along the flower bed, a winding path leads through stately cedar and magnolia trees, whimsical Albizia and podocarpus, striking red maple leaves, and red-leaf plum, all set off by soft red loropetalum and golden creeping jenny, their delicate blossoms charming and lovely. Deeper into the quiet path, a sudden expanse of tender, lush green lawn opens up the view, bringing a sense of openness. Surrounding the lawn are roses, flowering quince, cedar, azaleas, and rounded hedges of boxwood, their vivid colors creating a delightful contrast.

　　On the earthen mound in the northern part of the park stands a uniquely designed cluster of pavilions called the “Harmony Pavilion.” The western pavilion is square, covering 9 square meters, while the northern one is rectangular at 12 square meters. Both feature red clay-tiled pointed roofs, but the northern pavilion is supported by just two slender 0.75-meter-wide and 0.3-meter-thick columns, with a wooden bench placed between them—an unusual and eye-catching design. Nearby are tree-stump-inspired benches, surrounded by osmanthus, crabapple, crape myrtle, and rose bushes. When in bloom, their fragrance fills the air, making it an ideal spot for reading or leisure. The northwest corner of the park serves as a gathering area for fitness enthusiasts and is equipped with children’s play facilities such as a mini train, trampoline, and toy fishing game. Along the park’s northern boundary, next to the Shanghai–Nanjing Railway fence, coral hedges, metasequoia, dawn redwood, and Distylium racemosum are planted, while other open spaces are filled with ground covers like iris, calamus, liriope, Lycoris radiata, and Zephyranthes candida. Higher elevations in the park are planted with tall trees, while the paths are lined with evergreens and floral borders. The teahouse’s roof and walls are covered with creeping fig and climbing roses. The park is home to over 70 species of trees, offering an elegant, serene, and picturesque environment, making it an ideal leisure destination for local residents.

　　Since 1997, Guanlong Park has been honored multiple times as a Shanghai “Double Excellence” Park, and in 2002, it was recognized as a Shanghai “Seven Nos” Civilized Park. The park also provides convenient services such as free wheelchairs and umbrella loans.