Shanghai Botanical Garden

Shanghai Botanical Garden Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Nestled in the heart of Shanghai’s Xuhui District, the Shanghai Botanical Garden is the city’s largest municipal botanical garden and a premier destination for nature enthusiasts, families, and cultural explorers. Established in 1974 on the site of the former Longhua nursery, the garden has grown into a leading center for plant conservation, scientific research, and environmental education, spanning more than 81 hectares and featuring over 5,000 taxa and 6,000 varieties of plants (Shanghai Government; BGCI PDF).

This comprehensive guide provides detailed information on visiting hours, tickets, transportation, seasonal highlights, key attractions, and practical tips to help you plan a memorable and meaningful visit to one of Shanghai’s most cherished green spaces.

Entrance of Shanghai Botanical Garden with lush greenery and modern architecture

Plum blossoms in full bloom at Shanghai Botanical Garden attracting many tourists

Historical Background and Significance
Visiting Information
Getting There and Entry Points
Seasonal Highlights
Key Attractions and Suggested Routes
Practical Tips for Visitors
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Nearby Attractions
Visuals and Media
Conclusion
References

Historical Background and Significance

Origins and Development

Shanghai Botanical Garden originated from the Longhua nursery in 1974, quickly evolving to meet the demands of a rapidly urbanizing city. By the 1980s, its mission expanded to include not only public recreation, but also scientific research, biodiversity conservation, and public education (BGCI PDF). The garden now serves as a vital green lung for the city and a model for sustainable urban planning.

Conservation and Research

The garden is renowned for ex-situ conservation efforts, safeguarding over 60 rare and endangered plant taxa, and supporting ecological research and municipal greening initiatives. Its innovative application of native and well-adapted species has improved urban biodiversity and resilience (BGCI PDF).

Cultural and Educational Impact

Academic tours, workshops, and annual festivals such as the Cherry Blossom and Chrysanthemum Festivals foster public awareness of plant science and conservation (Trips to Shanghai). Themed zones, including a nationally acclaimed Penjing (bonsai) Garden and the Orchid House, highlight the garden’s rich botanical and cultural heritage.

Visiting Information

Visiting Hours

Open: Daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
Closed: Mondays for maintenance (verify on the official website during public holidays)

Ticket Prices

General Admission: 15 RMB
Discounts: Available for students, seniors, and children
How to Purchase: On-site at entrances, online via official platforms, or through trusted travel sites

Accessibility

Wheelchair-accessible paths and ramps
Accessible restrooms and designated parking
Stroller-friendly routes

Facilities

Restrooms throughout the grounds
Cafés, snack kiosks, and picnic areas
Gift and souvenir shops
Free luggage storage at select Shanghai Metro stations (shanghai.gov.cn)

Getting There and Entry Points

Location

Address: 1111 Longwu Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai
Area: 818,600 square meters (chinatourstar.com)

By Public Transportation

Metro: Line 3 to Shilong Road Station (10-minute walk to Gate 4)
Bus: Routes 714, 720, 770, 824, 958, 178, 956, Xinlong Line, Shangfeng Special Line, 56, 820
Taxi: Show drivers “请带我去上海植物园。” (“Please take me to Shanghai Botanical Garden.”)
Sample fares:
- Pudong Airport: ~45 min, ~126 RMB
- Hongqiao Airport: ~33 min, ~63 RMB
- South Railway Station: ~11 min, ~18 RMB

Entry Gates

Gate 1: 1111 Longwu Road – Primary entrance (no parking)
Gate 2: Near demonstration gardens and Huang Daopo Temple
Gate 3: Access to maple, osmanthus, rose, and bamboo gardens
Gate 4: Nearest to the children’s playground and North District

Seasonal Highlights

Spring (March–May)

Cherry Blossom Festival: Sakura Avenue lined with 1,000+ cherry trees
Magnolia and Peony Blooms: 40+ magnolia species and heritage peonies
Qingming Festival: Traditional activities and kite flying (Travel of China)

Summer (June–August)

Lotus and Water Lily Displays: Lotus Pond in full bloom
Nature Camps: Educational workshops for children
Evening Garden Walks: Extended hours for nocturnal tours

Autumn (September–November)

Chrysanthemum Festival: Thousands of chrysanthemums in intricate arrangements
Maple & Ginkgo Viewing: Fiery red and golden leaves
Mid-Autumn Festival: Lantern displays and moon-gazing events (Travel of China)

Winter (December–February)

Camellia and Wintersweet Blooms: Color and fragrance during colder months
Bonsai & Orchid Exhibitions: Indoor displays of rare specimens
New Year’s Festivities: Themed floral installations and performances

Key Attractions and Suggested Routes

Themed Gardens

Plant Evolution District: Conifers, Magnolias, Peonies, Camellias, Roses, Maples, Osmanthus, Bamboo
Penjing (Bonsai) Garden: Award-winning mini landscapes and two bonsai museums
Exhibition Greenhouse: Over 3,500 tropical and desert species
Herb Garden: 600+ medicinal herbs and aquatic plants
Orchid House: Native and exotic species
Artificial Ecological Area: Wetlands and woodlands habitat simulation
Children’s Playground: Near Gate 4, family-friendly

Cultural Sites

Huang Daopo Memorial Hall: Historic hall honoring a textile pioneer, with exhibits and reconstructed architecture (chinatourstar.com)

Suggested Routes

1–2 hours: Greenhouse, Penjing Garden, Magnolia and Rose Gardens
Half-day: Add Herb Garden, Bamboo Garden, Huang Daopo Hall
Full-day: Explore all zones and enjoy seasonal exhibitions

Practical Tips for Visitors

Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn for floral displays and comfortable weather
Weather: Summers are humid, winters can be cold; dress accordingly
Photography: Tripods may be restricted during peak periods; check signage
Language: Most signs are bilingual; translation apps are helpful
Etiquette: Do not pick plants, stay on paths, supervise children
Payment: Alipay, WeChat Pay, and cash (RMB) are widely accepted; some counters accept international cards
Guided Tours: Offered in Mandarin and English; advance booking recommended during festivals

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the opening hours of Shanghai Botanical Garden?
A: Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, with last entry at 4:00 PM. Closed Mondays for maintenance.

Q: How much are tickets?
A: General admission is 15 RMB, with discounts for students, children, and seniors.

Q: Is the garden wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes, main paths and facilities are accessible, but some zones have uneven terrain.

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Pets are generally not permitted, except for service animals.

Q: Are guided tours and educational programs available?
A: Yes, available during peak seasons and special exhibitions.

Q: Can I bring food?
A: Outside food is discouraged, but picnic areas and on-site cafés are available.

Nearby Attractions

Longhua Temple and Pagoda: Historic Buddhist site nearby
Shanghai Zoo: Family-friendly, short taxi ride away
Xujiahui Commercial Area: Shopping and dining district

Visuals and Media

Explore high-resolution images and virtual tours of the garden’s highlights through the official Shanghai Botanical Garden website. Additional multimedia resources and virtual experiences are available to aid in planning your visit.

Conclusion

The Shanghai Botanical Garden stands as a living testament to the city’s dedication to green living, biodiversity, and cultural heritage. With its diverse plant collections, vibrant seasonal events, and accessible visitor amenities, the garden offers an enriching and peaceful retreat in the heart of Shanghai. Whether you seek botanical wonders, cultural experiences, or family activities, you will find something memorable year-round.

Plan your visit by checking the latest opening hours and ticket information, and consider downloading the Audiala app for personalized tips and interactive maps. For updates on events and exhibitions, follow the garden’s official channels and explore related articles on sustainable urban spaces.