World Expo Park

Historical Overview

• 2010 Expo Legacy: Built for the 2010 World Expo under the theme “Better City, Better Life,” the park showcased cutting-edge architecture like the China Pavilion (now the Expo Museum) and Saudi Arabia’s crescent-shaped pavilion.
• Post-Expo Transformation (2011–2020): Post-Expo, key pavilions were repurposed: Italy’s pavilion became a cultural center, while Saudi Arabia’s pavilion reopened as a tourism site. The site transitioned into a public park in 2021.
• Recent Developments (2025): Added attractions include the Shanghai Greenhouse Garden and expanded wetlands, solidifying its role as Shanghai’s ecological hub.

Structural Layout

The park is divided into three zones:

1. Cultural Heritage Zone:
   • Expo Museum: Housed in the renovated China Pavilion, it chronicles Expo history through 80,000+ artifacts.
   • Time Imprint Avenue: A 400-meter walkway tracing the site’s transformation from industrial land to Expo venue.
2. Ecological Landscape Zone:
   • Twin Mountain: A 48-meter artificial hill with cascading waterfalls and 200,000 plants.
   • Shanghai Greenhouse Garden: A climate-controlled botanical garden featuring tropical plants and a butterfly conservatory.
3. Recreational Activity Zone:
   • Central Lake: Boating and seasonal lotus displays.
   • Dog Go Park: A pet-friendly area with agility courses.

Key structures:

• Expo Museum: 63-meter-tall red “Oriental Crown” architecture.
• Twin Mountain Observation Deck: Panoramic views of the Huangpu River.

Major Attractions

1. Shanghai World Expo Museum: Interactive exhibits on Expo milestones, including scale models of iconic pavilions.
2. Twin Mountain: Hike trails through artificial natural mountain forests, spotting peacocks and cherry blossoms.
3. Shanghai Greenhouse Garden: Walk through biomes representing desert, rainforest, and alpine ecosystems.
4. Time Imprint Avenue: Sculptures and digital displays recounting the park’s 150-year history.
5. Central Lake: Paddleboat rentals and evening light shows.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Classic Route (2–3 hours):
   Entrance → Expo Museum → Time Imprint Avenue → Central Lake → Exit
   Highlights: Core Expo history and scenic lake views.

2. Extended Route (4–5 hours):
   Entrance → Expo Museum → Twin Mountain → Shanghai Greenhouse Garden → Central Lake → Exit
   Highlights: Ecological attractions and panoramic vistas.

3. Comprehensive Route (Full Day):
   Entrance → Expo Museum → Time Imprint Avenue → Twin Mountain → Shanghai Greenhouse Garden → Central Lake → Dog Go Park → Exit
   Highlights: Full immersion in cultural and natural features.

Ticket Purchase

• Entrance Fees:
  • Expo Museum: ¥60 (adults), ¥30 (students/seniors).
  • Shanghai Greenhouse Garden: ¥50 (adults), ¥25 (students/seniors).
  • Combo Tickets: ¥100 (includes both attractions).
• Free Access: Central Lake, Time Imprint Avenue, and outdoor gardens.
• Online Booking: Reserve via the official WeChat account “Shanghai Expo Cultural Park” or Ctrip.

Transportation

From Downtown Shanghai:

• By Subway: Line 7/8 to Yaohua Road Station (Exit 3), then 10-minute walk.
• By Bus: Routes 83/170/314/454/734/786/974/978/981/1049/1098/No. 98, Pudong to Shangnan Road Hubin Road Station.
• By Taxi: 20-minute ride from Lujiazui (¥35–50).

From Shanghai Hongqiao Airport:

• By Metro: Line 2 to Longyang Road Station → Transfer to Line 7 to Yaohua Road.
• By Taxi: 40 minutes (¥80–100).

Best Time & Tips

• Optimal Seasons: Spring (April–May) for cherry blossoms; autumn (October–November) for maple foliage.
• Avoid Crowds: Visit weekdays before 10 AM or after 3 PM.
• Essentials:
  • Comfortable shoes for hiking Twin Mountain.
  • Reusable water bottle (drinking fountains available).
  • Light jacket for air-conditioned greenhouses.
• Photography Tips:
  • Golden Hour: Capture Twin Mountain reflections at sunset.
  • Macro Mode: Detail shots of lotus flowers in Central Lake.
• Prohibited Items: Drones, large backpacks, and outside food (picnics allowed in designated areas).