Chenshan Botanical Garden

Historical Overview

• 1950s Mining Legacy: The site operated as a limestone quarry, leaving a 30-meter-deep pit and scarred hillsides.
• 2000–2010 Restoration: Closed for ecological rehabilitation, with 2 million cubic meters of soil added to reshape landscapes.
• 2010 Opening: Launched as Shanghai’s first international-standard botanical garden.
• 2025 Updates: Added a carbon-neutral exhibition center and expanded rare plant conservation zones.

Structural Layout

The garden integrates mining heritage with biodiversity, divided into four zones:

1. Mining Pit Garden:
   • Restored Quarry: A 30-meter-deep lake surrounded by cascading waterfalls and cliff-face plantings.
   • Flyover Bridge: A 1.5-kilometer walkway suspended 30 meters above the pit.
2. Exhibition Greenhouses:
   • Tropical Rainforest Hall: 4,000㎡ space with giant water lilies and canopy walkways.
   • Desert Plant Hall: Features 500+ cacti and succulents under UV lighting.
3. Chenshan Summit:
   • Observation Deck: Panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline and the garden’s wetlands.
   • Rock Garden: Alpine plants growing in crevices of restored granite boulders.
4. Specialized Gardens:
   • Rose Garden: 1,200 rose varieties blooming from April–June.
   • Herb Garden: Medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine.

Key structures:

• Mining Pit Flyover: A curved steel bridge with glass-floor sections overlooking the quarry.
• Exhibition Greenhouse Complex: Three climate-controlled domes totaling 12,000㎡.

Major Attractions

1. Mining Pit Waterfall: A 50-meter artificial cascade fed by recycled rainwater.
2. Tropical Rainforest Hall: Home to a 30-meter-tall ceiba tree and poison dart frogs.
3. Blind Garden: A sensory experience with aromatic plants and textured foliage.
4. Chenshan Summit Trail: A 2.5-kilometer hiking path with 19 viewing platforms.
5. Children’s Garden: Interactive zones with edible plants and a treehouse.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Family Route (2–3 hours):
   Entrance → Children’s Garden → Herb Garden → Mining Pit Flyover → Rose Garden → Exit
   Highlights: Kid-friendly activities and seasonal blooms.

2. Nature Lover Route (4–5 hours):
   Entrance → Exhibition Greenhouses → Chenshan Summit Trail → Wetland Boardwalk → Mining Pit Garden → Exit
   Highlights: Climate zones, hiking, and birdwatching.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Entrance → All zones (Mining Pit/Greenhouses/Summit/Specialized Gardens) → Guided Tour → Workshops → Exit
   Highlights: In-depth exploration with expert commentary.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees (2025):
  • Standard Ticket: ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students/seniors).
  • Greenhouse Ticket: ¥30 (additional).
  • Free: Children under 1.2m, disabled visitors, and garden members.
• Online Booking: Reserve via the official website or WeChat mini-program “Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden” (up to 7 days in advance).
• On-Site: Tickets available; queues peak at 10:00–11:00 AM.

Transportation

From Downtown Shanghai:

• By Subway: Line 9 to Dongjing Station (Exit 2), then take bus Songjiang 96/98 or taxi (¥25–30).
• By Bus: Routes Songjiang 96/98/194 or Chuanshan Line 2 to Chenshan Botanical Garden Station.
• By Taxi: 40-minute ride from Xujiahui (¥80–100).

From Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:

• By Metro: Line 2 to Zhongshan Park → Transfer to Line 3/4 to Yishan Road → Transfer to Line 9 to Dongjing.
• By Taxi: 50 minutes (¥120–150).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: Spring (April–May) for roses; autumn (October–November) for maple foliage.
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays before 10 AM or after 3 PM.
• Essentials:
  • Insect repellent (wetland areas).
  • Waterproof shoes for trail hiking.
  • Reusable water bottle (drinking fountains available).
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture mining pit reflections at sunset.
  • Macro Mode: Detail shots of desert cacti or tropical orchids.
• Prohibited Items: Pets, bicycles, and outside food (picnics allowed in designated zones).