The charm of Gongqing Forest Park lies in the fact that, although it is man-made, it has formed a near-natural forest ecosystem and a tranquil and beautiful waterfront landscape.
Nature's Creation—A Song of the Forest in the Heart of the City
The park is densely vegetated, forming a multi-layered and multi-form forest landscape.
- A green corridor of towering trees: Walking through the park feels like being in a forest far removed from the hustle and bustle of city life. The tall trees, mainly camphor, cedar, dawn redwood, and ginkgo, provide ample shade, forming the park's main theme. Especially in autumn, the dawn redwood forest and ginkgo avenue are ablaze with color, a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
- A floral feast that changes with the seasons: The park is a famous flower viewing spot in Shanghai. Cherry blossoms, peach blossoms, and crabapple blossoms in spring; crape myrtle and lotus flowers in summer; osmanthus and chrysanthemums in autumn; and wintersweet in winter—there's something to see in every season. The annual Shanghai Chrysanthemum Exhibition is a major horticultural event in East China, with thousands of potted chrysanthemums vying for attention, creating a spectacular scene.
- A winding and vibrant water system: The park boasts nearly 100,000 square meters of water area, interwoven with rivers, lakes, and wetlands. Taking an electric boat through the winding waterways, with lush trees on both banks and water birds playing, is an excellent way to experience the ambiance of a "forest waterway".
Humanistic craftsmanship – a leisurely movement within a scenic view
Based on a natural forest, the park cleverly integrates various recreational facilities and scenic spots.
- Forest Train and Cycling Trail: The vintage steam train winding through the woods is a classic park experience. Sounding its whistle, it slowly travels through forests, flowerbeds, and lakesides, full of childlike fun and romance. In addition, a flat and wide cycling trail runs throughout the park, perfect for families to rent bikes and explore.
- Unique garden within a garden: The garden contains several exquisite garden areas.
- "Pine Valley": Featuring black pines and undulating terrain, it creates a secluded and tranquil mountain forest atmosphere.
- "Boating on Yinghu Lake" Scenic Area: The expansive lake surface is the core area for boating and sightseeing, while the large lawn on the lakeside is a popular spot for kite flying and picnics.
- "Wild Pasture Pavilion" and "Wind and Rain Bridge": These Chinese-style pavilions and bridges adorn the forest and waterside, adding a touch of humanistic charm and resting places to the natural landscape.
- A paradise for families and sports: The park offers a variety of outdoor activity facilities, such as a children's playground, a trail for adventurers, a barbecue area, a horse riding area, and a forest soccer field, meeting the leisure and entertainment needs of visitors of all ages.
Travel and Photography Tips:
The best spots for capturing the forest atmosphere are in the metasequoia and cedar forests, especially in the early morning or after rain when there is mist, the light shines through the trees, creating a beautiful scene.
The focus of autumn photography is on the Ginkgo Avenue and the main scenic area of the Chrysanthemum Exhibition.
Riding the miniature train is a great opportunity to capture dynamic forest scenery and take family photos.
Bring your picnic blanket and snacks and enjoy a leisurely afternoon on the lawn – that's the essence of experiencing a park.
